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)
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.
From inside the windowBUMP OF CHICKEN
“From the Window” is a song in which BUMP OF CHICKEN sings about the importance of human connection and bonds.
It serves as the theme song for “BUMP OF CHICKEN 18-sai (Fes).” For the program, messages were collected from 18-year-old fans of the band, and the song was written based on them.
Its warm message is sure to support you when times are tough.
There’s an a cappella section at the end that seems to encourage the listener.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (131–140)
Song of Determinationbacho
Formed in 2002 and continuing energetic activities based in Himeji, Hyogo, despite multiple lineup changes, the rock band bacho.
The opening track of their second mini-album Rekonkista, Ketsui no Uta (Song of Determination), is a lyrical number that begins with an orthodox band sound.
Its lyrics, which sing of a resolve to change one’s life rather than halting out of overthinking the outcome, may encourage those who are similarly lost to take their first step.
Alongside the lyrics, the passionately memorable vocals stir the heart, making it a rock tune that delivers a strong message.
BEST FRIENDSMAP
This is SMAP’s fourth single, released in 1992.
The song was originally created for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and aired from April to May 1992.
During the “SMAP’s First Trip as Five” segment on SMAP×SMAP, broadcast on April 8, 2013, when the members sang this song at karaoke, Masahiro Nakai was overcome with emotion and burst into tears, and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi also started crying in sympathy.
The Final RiverCHEMISTRY
A song I want you to listen to while thinking of someone you want to cherish for a lifetime is “Saigo no Kawa” (“The Final River”).
It was released in 2007 by CHEMISTRY, a male twin-vocal unit known for their clear, soothing voices, and it was used as the theme song for the film The Elephant’s Back.
The project drew attention because Yasushi Akimoto created both the original novel for the film and the song’s lyrics.
It’s a grand ballad that unfolds with beautiful synth tones.
Alongside their warm vocals, the lyrics depicting “life” resonate deeply.
It’s a masterpiece that teaches us that love for family endures, even when we are separated.
