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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- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
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- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
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- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
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- 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)
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
Not only a singer-songwriter but also active in many fields, such as a picture book author, Cocco has had a diverse career.
This song, “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”), released in 1997 as her second single, is her signature track and biggest hit.
You’re drawn into lyrics that feel like an old folktale, a story that makes you hope for a happy ending—only to be confronted with a shocking truth.
Yet that’s surely something that can happen often in real life too: a tale of expectation and betrayal.
It’s a highly recognized song that has undoubtedly saved many listeners.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Classic J-Pop masterpieces: recommended popular tracks (121–130)
Ice RainKudō Shizuka
Released in 1994 as Shizuka Kudo’s 23rd single, it’s a poignant love song that shines a light on the small, hidden dramas of year-end city streets—places where happy people tend to take center stage.
The lyrics were written by Kudo herself.
It’s a heart-piercing, emotionally resonant ballad that tightens the chest.
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.
Untitled TodayHirai Dai
A heartwarming message song that gently sings about the precious moments found in everyday life.
Rather than material wealth, it finds value in the ordinary scenes of daily living and conveys the beauty of believing in the future.
HIRAIDAI’s vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Included on the album “Life Goes On,” this track stands out with its gospel-inspired chorus and refreshing melody.
The lyrics, which depict the joy of sharing together and the preciousness of small, everyday happiness, offer a sense of peace, as if wrapped in a gentle light.
When you want to appreciate the beauty of spending simple, unassuming time with someone important, why not give it a listen?
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.
DreamerJO1
This song, released in February 2022 as an anthem to support those chasing their dreams, was written as the theme for the omnibus drama Short Program, in which all JO1 members starred.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad filled with encouragement for everyone who refuses to stop moving forward, featuring a dramatic structure where stillness and motion intersect.
The lyrics portray a positive resolve to press on, carrying the light received from someone dear, and the image of continuing step by step despite uncertainty inspires courage.
For JO1, it is also a song that symbolizes the bonds among the members.
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.