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.
- A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
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- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
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- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
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- Songs with great lyrics: soothing tracks that linger in the heart and moving ballads
- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [When You're Lonely] A Collection of Songs That Resonate With Those All Alone
- 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).
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.
Midnight ExpresswayOkazaki Taiiku
A song I want you to listen to when you’re really at rock bottom, when things are tough: Shinya Kousoku, sung by Taiiku Okazaki.
Originally a signature number by Flower Companyz, many people will recognize it as the SMBC Group commercial song in which Okazaki also appears.
Its lyrics put into words those gloomy, swirling feelings that linger in your chest, resonating with people from different backgrounds and generations.
The chorus is one that will make many listeners tear up—some even sob—and it’s the kind of song you’ll want to keep as a talisman for life.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho
The song that makes you realize everyone is the protagonist of their own world is “Sekai Chuu no Dare Yori Kitto” (“Surely More Than Anyone in the World”).
Miho Nakayama—who is also active as an actress—released it in 1992, and it’s known as a collaboration with the rock band WANDS.
Its straightforward, passionate band sound is striking.
Alongside her glamorous vocals, an orthodox melody resounds.
The lyrics about reuniting with a fated love after a breakup are romantic.
Listen to it while remembering the miracle of having met your partner.
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s “Best Friend,” known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan, drew renewed attention when it was used as the ending theme for the film The Good Dinosaur.
Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro as an expression of gratitude to Ayano Kinjo, who always supports her, the song is often performed as a dedication to a best friend in various settings.
I am who I am today because of that person’s words, smile, and presence.
Having a friend like that is truly a blessing.
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
It was produced as the campaign song for “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!”, a collaboration between the Osaka radio station FM802 and TSUTAYA.
Featuring a star-studded lineup including Aimyon, Suga Shikao, and GEN from 04 Limited Sazabys, the song was written and composed by Seikaikan Ozaki of CreepHyp.
The version performed by CreepHyp is also extremely popular at live shows.
It’s a coming-of-age song that stirs an indescribable sense of longing—those bittersweet feelings everyone has experienced race through your mind.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This is “Gurenge,” the theme song of the hugely popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
“Gurenge” was composed around the theme of not running away from hardships and facing them head-on.
It’s a song that perfectly matches the world of Demon Slayer.
It’s definitely a track you’ll want to listen to when something tough happens or when you’re feeling down.
The lyrics are deeply moving. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (91–100).
Seven Billion PiecesHata Motohiro
This song is a track released in 2016 by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata.
The lyrics express the preciousness of the one person who stays by your side out of seven billion people and the love you feel for them.
Listening to it makes your feelings for someone special grow even stronger.
Featuring beautiful accompaniment by acoustic guitar and piano, the message in the lyrics and Hata’s vocals reach straight to the listener’s heart.
