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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- Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
The lyrics are deep and great. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (101–110).
Love RadiantMisora Hibari
This is a single released by Hibari Misora in 1986, with singer-songwriter Kei Ogura enlisted for both lyrics and composition.
It was a commemorative song for the 40th anniversary of Misora’s debut, and it has been covered by many artists as one of her signature works.
It’s a gentle song that makes you feel that love is essential in life.
DIAMONDSPRINCESS PRINCESS
It’s one of the signature songs by the band PRINCESS PRINCESS.
Released as a single in 1989, it topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.
In the midst of the bubble era, this classic asks what true wealth and happiness really are.
It teaches us that not expensive gifts like designer items, but precious memories themselves are the real diamonds.
Even today, it resonates with many people and has a timeless appeal.
The heroine who’s always in tearsbokula.
This is a song that carries a fleeting, heartrending love on a jewel-like, tear-inducing melody.
It’s included on bokula.’s EP “Namida Nijimu no wa Kokoro no Honne desu.” released in April 2024, which drew attention as their major-label debut.
Emotions swaying between dependence and independence are woven into real, candid words.
Subtle sensations hidden in everyday life are beautifully portrayed, such as likening a phone’s remaining battery to one’s emotional bandwidth.
It’s the perfect track to listen to on a night when you want to immerse yourself in bokula.’s world.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
It’s a masterpiece whose courage—striving to move forward even while carrying sorrow—resonates deeply.
Released in 1961, it became a massive hit not only in Japan but around the world.
In English-speaking countries it is known by the title “SUKIYAKI,” and it even achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kyu Sakamoto’s warm voice gently seems to nudge us from behind, and the lyrics, which tell us that happiness can surely be found somewhere, touch the heart.
It’s also perfect for times when you want to encourage someone.
the best in the worldInoue Sonoko
Sekai de Ichiban by Sonoko Inoue, which was chosen as the theme song for the popular romance reality show Ainori, is, as its title suggests, a straightforward love song.
While many songs feature twists or abstract lyrics, a direct love song like this is nice too.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Classic J‑Pop masterpieces, recommended popular tracks (111–120)
boyGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE
An emotional, standout ballad that speaks to your past self.
Released in October 2018 as the 17th single.
Lyrics by Masato Odake, composed by Didrik Thott and Octobar.
Chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Hiruobi!”.
The gentle lyrics, telling the you who once chased your dreams that “it’s okay not to hesitate,” quietly encourage everyone living in the present.
The soaring chorus, colored by strings, delivers a finish that warms your heart each time you listen.
Perfect for days when you’re feeling down or when you want to reconnect with your roots.
A trace of lightKinKi Kids
Released in December 2019 as the 41st single, this song is a ballad with lyrics by Maaya Sakamoto, where mature harmonies intertwine exquisitely.
It portrays an introspective perspective at life’s midpoint and glimmers of hope through concrete imagery like the dawn sky and the wind.
The simple rhythm and spacious arrangement, along with the design that builds dynamics from a quiet introduction to an embracing, expansive chorus, are also striking.
It’s a song that stays by your side on a down day and quietly kindles the courage to look ahead.