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 more the more you listen. Classic J-Pop masterpieces: recommended popular tracks (121–130)
DutyHamasaki Ayumi
It is the song of the same name included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s third original album, “Duty,” released in 2000.
It was used as the theme song for the Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic commercial.
The lyrics resonate as if sensing the end of an era.
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.
Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya
This song captivates with its deeply resonant lyrics and warm melody.
Since its release, it has been cherished by many as an encouragement anthem for overcoming heartbreak and tough times.
Originally written for Hiroko Yakushimaru, it was later self-covered and released in 1988.
It’s also well known for being produced by Tatsuro Yamashita.
It’s the perfect track when you’re feeling down or want to cheer someone up.
If you’re looking to lift your spirits, give it a listen.
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 more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (131–140)
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.
Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800
Among MONGOL800’s classic songs, “Ryukyu Aika” is the one that, strangely enough, brings tears to my eyes.
You can feel the breeze of Ryukyu in both the melody and the band’s love for their homeland.
It’s a song that points out the world’s mistakes and teaches that “love” and “peace” are the foundation of all happiness.
Its message resonates not only with people from Okinawa, but with anyone, no matter where they were born.
Please give this beautiful love song—a prayer for everlasting peace sent from Okinawa to all humanity—a listen.
I’ll surely never forgetZARD
Released in 1993 as ZARD’s 10th single.
It was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a song that touches the heart, expressing the desire to never forget the memories and the wish for the person you love to never change.