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. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (141–150)
You’re Not Alone with MONGOL800SOFFet
This song is often used at wedding receptions.
Pay attention to the joyful lyrics that make you want to express gratitude for not being alone.
You may feel that meeting someone precious to you is a miracle.
The lyrics are nice because they can be interpreted as being directed to a lover, a best friend, or family.
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.
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.
SparkleRADWIMPS
One of the theme songs from the smash-hit animated film Your Name., this number evokes the emotion of the climax.
For many listeners, hearing this song brings back the protagonists’ miraculous story and the film’s beautiful imagery, stirring the heart.
The structure unfolds from a sparkling piano melody into a grand band sound, powerfully moving the listener’s emotions.
The track is included on RADWIMPS’ album Your Name., released in August 2016.
Its lyrics, which depict a strong resolve to uphold love while defying fate, mirror the story and are sure to bring tears.
It’s an inspiring song you’ll want to listen to when you need a touch of brilliance in everyday life.
signpostFukuyama Masaharu
A heartwarming message song that gently lights the journey of life.
Released digitally in May 2009, this piece features a soft sound arrangement highlighted by piano and acoustic guitar.
Masaharu Fukuyama’s warm vocals beautifully express gratitude toward someone dear.
The chorus is so soothing it can sweep away the anxieties and hardships swirling in your heart.
It will likely bring to mind the faces of those who support your life—your parents, grandparents, a partner, and other loved ones.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon
This work is striking for its story-like opening lines and lyrics that delicately portray the characters’ emotions.
It is a single by Aimyon, who made her major-label debut in November 2016, and it was used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?” Set to a medium-tempo arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, the song expresses deep empathy and a sense of closeness toward someone who chose to end their own life.
Through a unique perspective on social issues, its lyrics speak calmly about the weight of life, resonating especially with younger listeners and generating significant buzz as her major-label debut release.
It is a profound track that prompts reflection on the preciousness of life and the meaning of living.