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. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (81–90).
bento (boxed lunch)Hanbaato Hanbaato
A husband-and-wife duo, Humbert Humbert, included this song on their 2010 album Sasurai-ki (Wanderer’s Chronicle).
While friends around them are grabbing fast food, the lyrics depict the scene of savoring a homemade bento that still tastes good even after cooling on the bus—a blend of wistfulness and warmth.
It reminds you that the most ordinary days are truly irreplaceable.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel like pausing amid a busy day.
A New StorySuzuki Emiko
A pure-love ballad by Emiko Suzuki that delicately portrays the special brilliance hidden in everyday life.
Listening to it makes you realize that the days of laughing and crying on repeat are, in fact, an irreplaceable story.
Released in advance in February 2022 as the lead track from the album “5 senses,” it drew attention for its tie-in with a bridal jewelry brand on TV Asahi’s “Promercial.” It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to if you’re feeling the desire to cherish the time you spend with your partner anew.
Setting SunYorushika
It’s a moving message song filled with growing feelings for someone special.
It’s a track by the popular band Yorushika, released digitally in May 2023.
The song was also written as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Dangers in My Heart.” A clear, beautiful melody line intertwines with somewhat wistful lyrics.
Images of sunsets and unrequited love are woven into the words, and it really sinks in more every time you listen.
Highly recommended for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it’s one of the signature songs of the idol group SMAP.
It’s now sung in schools and elsewhere as a true national song.
The theme of “not being number one, but being the only one” was reportedly created with the Buddhist teaching “Tenjō Tenga Yuiga Dokuson” (In all heaven and earth, I alone am honored) in mind, which Makihara encountered around the time he was arrested three years earlier on suspicion of violating the Stimulants Control Act.
The message that no one needs to be the best, and that we were born to let our individual qualities shine, resonates deeply with people of all ages, in any era.
I miss you. I want to see you.Tezuka Shota
The theme song of the mystery drama “Your Turn to Kill.” It was released by Kei Tanaka in the role of Shota Tezuka.
The song frankly expresses the sorrow of losing someone you love.
Although Tanaka is best known as an actor, he’s also captivating as a singer, with a very sweet voice.
The lyrics vividly convey Shota’s deep feelings for his wife.
instinctShiina Ringo
Instinct brilliantly lays bare the true feelings that lie deep within the human heart.
Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who has left many songs that showcase the beauty of the Japanese language, released it in 1999.
Its jazzy sound, unfolding with a rhythmic tempo, is moving.
Her rolled Rs and sultry vocal delivery are swoon-worthy as well.
It’s a deep track that makes you ponder what it is that humans truly seek.
A passionate rock number that embraces the feelings we usually can’t bring ourselves to say out loud.
The lyrics are deeply moving. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (91–100).
apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism
From the striking title alone, “Apoptosis” sung by Official HIGE DANDism leaves a strong impression.
The word “apoptosis” itself refers to programmed cell death that is actively induced in multicellular organisms to keep the individual in a better state.
With that in mind, listening to this song reveals a profoundly deep lyrical world.
Following each word, you can sense themes of personal growth and the inevitable death we all face, making it feel like a song about life as a whole.
It’s a track that makes you reflect on how you will live within the limited span of your life.
