The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
When you listen to music, what do you focus on?
There are many aspects you might pay attention to—such as the vocals, the mood of the song, or, if you create music yourself, the overall structure of the track.
Among these, many people probably focus on the lyrics.
One of the best things about lyrics is that they let you feel the message of the song in the most direct way!
In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of songs with deeply evocative lyrics that are incredibly compelling.
We’ve picked out many pieces that become moving once you understand their meaning, so be sure to listen closely.
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- Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (71–80).
BeginningBLUE ENCOUNT
Here is “Hajimari” (“Beginning”), brought to you by BLUE ENCOUNT, a four-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture.
It was also selected as the support song for the 2015 All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The emotional melody is another element that really grabs you.
This song depicts the “beginning” days when, together with friends, you set off aiming for glory, chronicling the sweat-soaked days of hard work.
Even though the latter part of the song evokes a sense of parting, it’s profound that it’s not the end but a “beginning.”
latencyNisshoku Natsuko
A song I especially want people who feel uncertain in their everyday lives to hear is “Latency.” It was included on singer-songwriter Natsuko Nisshoku’s 2017 album Parrot, delivering soulful tracks crafted from her unique perspective.
Centered on piano and drums, the sound is simple yet deeply moving.
Alongside her dynamic performance and vocals, you’ll feel a powerful message.
It’s a rock number that will resonate with anyone thinking, “I just feel kind of muddled…”
Youth SicknessFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s “Seishun-byo” (Youth Sickness), released in 2020.
From the intro, the melody somehow feels nostalgic—not just for younger listeners but for a wide range of ages, making people go “oh?” and drawing them in to really listen.
Fujii Kaze’s songs all have great lyrics, and many make you want to read them carefully as you listen.
This song in particular truly resonates; although “youth” is in the title, it’s a track that hits home for listeners of any generation.
The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (81–90).
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
The song that can be called the catalyst for the Hige-Dan craze is “Pretender.” It’s a beautiful, ballad-like track, yet it has a cool, slightly funky groove that’s so appealing! The lyrics of this song are incredibly heartrending.
They tell a sad story: after finally getting together with the person he’s been longing for, he realizes that he was never truly in their heart.
The tears flow as the protagonist steps back, believing he’s not the one who can make them happy.
And when you sense his feelings—unable even to say “I love you,” only managing “You’re beautiful”—it makes your chest ache all the more.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
The song captures the youthful challenge of confronting one’s true self.
It reaches out to those who carry loneliness and anxiety, delivering a message of self-affirmation—one of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s most soulful tracks.
In December 2024, it was performed with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation on NHK General’s special program “18 Festival,” becoming a major talking point.
Along with its recurring melody, it gives you the courage to live without pretending to be someone you’re not.
When you feel like you’re losing your way, or when you’re struggling with relationships around you, this song is sure to be a powerful ally.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
This work by singer-songwriter Vaundy was released digitally in May 2020.
It features an emotional sound arrangement and strikingly fervent vocals.
The lyrics evoke a longing for lost time and the past, as well as the importance of human connection.
Once you hear it, it leaves a lingering resonance that seems to echo deep within.
When you feel like revisiting your past self, why not give it a listen?
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a powerful song that conveys the will to move your life forward.
Released in November 2007 as Elephant Kashimashi’s 34th single, many of you may remember it as the theme used in House Foods’ “Ukon no Chikara” commercial.
With vocalist Miyamoto’s powerful singing, its straightforward message hits home.
When you’re worn out from work or relationships, try listening to this track for a boost.