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
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- 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.
- The power of words. A special feature on Vocaloid songs with great lyrics
- 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. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Classic J‑Pop masterpieces, recommended popular tracks (111–120)
Toward that skyMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Momoiro Clover Z has become indispensable when talking about today’s Japanese idol scene.
The song “Ano Sora e Mukatte,” first performed on the day the group was formed, is included on their 2013 album “Iriguchi no Nai Deguchi.” It’s also famous for having been written by the members at the time.
Seeing them sing it so honestly and true to themselves is deeply moving.
It’s a warm message song that gives you the courage to set out on a new “path.” Be sure to listen to this hopeful track, which stands as the group’s point of origin.
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.
Dear My FriendEvery Little Thing
It’s Every Little Thing’s third single, released in 1997.
It won the Excellent Work Award at the 39th Japan Record Awards.
The song was used in a Slim Beauty House commercial.
It was originally intended to be offered to another artist, but because it turned out so well, they decided to keep it for themselves.
You don’t listen to rock.aimyon
The “AIMYON Acoustic LIVE 2022 – Searchlight – at Koshien Stadium,” held on November 5, 2022, quickly became a hot topic not only among fans as a “legendary live show.” With tears in her eyes, she ended her remarks by saying, “We still can’t all sing out loud together yet…” and the last song she performed was “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai” (“You Don’t Listen to Rock”).
The lyrics, which take the angle of “developing a vaguely unbalanced feeling toward a boyfriend who doesn’t listen to rock,” overflow with the bittersweet emotion Aimyon conveys.
I’d love for people in love to listen to it together.
MarshmallowOkuda Tamio
Released by Tamio Okuda in 2000, this song features charming lyrics that pick up the small happinesses around us and count them one by one.
It portrays the theme of “What is my own happiness?” from Okuda’s uniquely personal perspective.
The message encourages you to face forward and move ahead step by step, staying true to yourself.
When you feel like you’re losing your way, listening to it will surely be there to gently support your heart.
Only by livingKiroro
It’s a heartwarming message song.
Performed by Kiroro, it was released in July 2005.
It was used as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Mushiking: The King of Beetles – The Legend of the Forest People.” The gentle vocals and pleasant melody are memorable, and it’s filled with love and gratitude for family.
The lyrics convey the preciousness of life and the importance of human connections.
It’s also recommended for parents and children to listen to together.
You are my treasure.Makihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara has many songs that touch the heart, doesn’t he? This song, “You Are My Treasure,” is the ultimate love song packed with unwavering feelings for someone special.
It’s included on his third album of the same name, released in 1992.
Many of Makihara’s songs carry a certain nostalgic feel—close your eyes and the scenes come to life—and this track, too, makes you picture a happy couple as you listen.
If you’ve had a fight with your boyfriend or girlfriend, it might be a good idea to give this song a listen.