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 deeply moving. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (91–100).
There’s a hole in my heart.Yorushika
A track included on the second album, “Elma.” It connects to the previous work, “That’s Why I Gave Up on Music.” The protagonist, Elma, receives a letter from the previous work’s protagonist and sets off on a journey.
As you follow the lyrics, you can savor the scenery of Elma’s travels.
This song expresses Elma’s frustration at searching for traces of the previous protagonist yet being unable to grasp them.
You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima’s “Between the Sky and You/Fight!” was released in 1994.
Among the two A-side tracks, “Between the Sky and You” may be the more famous, but in fact “Fight!” is a hidden masterpiece.
At first listen it might seem like a gentle, whispering song, but the more you hear it, the more you can feel her raw inner turmoil.
This is the ultimate cheer-up song, one I especially recommend when you’re truly struggling.
Close your eyes softly and savor it together with its wonderful lyrics.
Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru
Pistol Takehara, who has openly said he’s a fan of Downtown’s Matsumoto, unleashes his delicate yet bold poetic world in this song—the one used in that life insurance commercial—delivered in a gritty, manly baritone.
Rooted in folk yet tinged with punk, it radiates an overwhelming, full-throttle energy.
Rather than gently nudging listeners forward, his rough-and-tough musical soul—honed, no doubt, through his parallel career as an actor—feels more like a boot to the backside.
It’s a rare kind of power you don’t often encounter.
Forget-me-notTakahashi Yuu
These are songs by the wonderful singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi, known for inspiring, passionate lyrics like in “Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru” and “Fukuwarai.” It was released digitally in September 2022.
The lyrics, which tenderly evoke thoughts of someone dear and suddenly bring back nostalgic images of your hometown, slowly sink in.
With its gentle melody and warm atmosphere, this track is one of Takahashi’s softest-feeling ballads.
It seems to mirror the winding paths we take and draw out the feelings we’ve been quietly holding, making it a companion to many different moments in life.
Please listen while thinking of someone important to you.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
Released in 1998 as Every Little Thing’s eighth single.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.
drama “Amai Kekkon” (Sweet Marriage), it became a million seller.
It’s a standout ballad whose lyrics convey profound depth—about heartbreak and the hope that one day you’ll be able to smile again.
Map of Dreamsyuzu
The song that reminds me of the importance of dreaming again and again is “Yume no Chizu.” It was released in 2004 by Yuzu, the musical duo active since the 1990s.
Its orchestral sound, resonant with brass band tones, is deeply moving.
Even on days that are far from perfect, this track teaches us the value of living positively.
It’s crafted with a soulful sound that resonates especially when you’re feeling down.
Why not receive their warm message that embraces loneliness and solitude?
next toMarushii
A ballad written by Marcy, a rock band from Fukuoka, as an answer song to their hit “Love Song.” The lyrics capture the moment you realize the true nature of love through the gestures and expressions of a partner who’s always by your side, gently reminding us of the precious happiness found in everyday life.
Ukyo Yoshida’s vocals intertwine with the warm instrumentation to resonate deeply in the heart.
Included on their third album “Flavors,” released in November 2025.
Through this song, feel the irreplaceable value of the days spent with someone you cherish.