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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The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (131–140)
Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena enjoys enduring, unchanging beauty that makes her popular across generations and genders.
And when it comes to Ringo Sheena, many people get completely hooked on her masterful turns of Japanese phrase and lyrics with a distinctive worldview.
The song “Crime and Punishment” is her sixth single, released in 2000.
It’s a striking track with a solid rock flavor, sung with a characteristic rolling tongue.
It portrays the fragile inner heart of a woman who may appear strong on the surface—capturing the wavering emotions of a woman, with a touch of charmingly unstable, menhera-like nuance.
Until today and from tomorrowyoshida takurou
It’s a timeless classic that quietly speaks to the truths of life.
Released by Takuro Yoshida in July 1971, the song initially struggled due to a lack of promotion, but its popularity grew through live performances, and it became one of his signature pieces.
In 2001, it was even chosen as the theme song for Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back, earning support across generations.
The lyrics, which question the meaning of life and give you the courage to look forward, truly resonate.
When you’re going through tough times or feeling lost, listening to it will surely give you strength.
be aliveKoyanagi Yuki
It was released in 2000 as Yuki Koyanagi’s fifth single.
Serving as the lead single for the album “EXPANSION,” it was featured in Kanebo’s Testimo TV commercial.
The single became her first to reach No.
1 on the Oricon chart and won the Grand Prix at the 33rd Japan Cable Radio Awards.
The song portrays a long-distance relationship between two people pursuing different dreams, with a grand scale and strikingly powerful vocals that resonate deeply.
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.
Joined handsMINAMI
This is a slow ballad we hope you’ll listen to when you need the courage to move forward.
It’s the memorable first track marking MINAMI’s major-label debut in July 2023.
The theme—taking a new step while supporting and being supported by someone—delicately conveyed through a gentle voice, resonates deeply.
Interweaving everyday scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow, its narrative style—believing in the hope beyond tears—leaves a strong impression.
It’s a work that gently stays by your side on days when something painful has happened.
fateTani Yuuki
This song carries a powerful message: even if everything is determined by fate, we can still carve out our path by making choices of our own will.
It questions what talent truly is and where the line between happiness and unhappiness lies, portraying a protagonist who turns both cheers and jeers into fuel to keep moving forward.
Released in March 2023, it was also included on the album “Tamentai,” which came out the same month.
The song was originally written for Ryota Katayose and used as an insert track for the TV Tokyo drama “Unmei Keisatsu” (Fate Police).
It’s a ballad for everyone chasing their dreams.