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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- 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)
HANABIMr.Children
For anyone who feels powerless and is spending each day without meaning, I want you to listen to Mr.Children’s “HANABI.” It was released as a single in 2008 and chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Kinkyuu Kyumei.” It even topped the Oricon Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks.
The lyrics liken hope amid various struggles to fireworks, conveying a determination to move forward.
The intro melody is memorable too, so definitely give it a listen!
50%Ofisharu Higedan Dism
As a pep song dedicated to people who tend to push themselves too hard in modern society, Official HIGE DANDism’s gentle message strikes a chord.
It speaks to us with a grand, gospel-tinged sound, encouraging us to face forward at our own pace without overexerting ourselves.
Written as the theme song for the film Cells at Work! released in December 2024, the piece gives voice to those living in an era where endless competition is the norm.
It also harmonizes beautifully with the film’s worldview and its message of “taking care of your own body.” It’s best enjoyed while relaxing in front of a smart speaker.
When you want to soothe a tired mind and body, when you feel like treating yourself kindly, this song will surely be by your side.
antinomyamazarashi
The two-piece rock band amazarashi, known for their impactful, message-driven worldview themed around “How many songs are there now that you want to listen to while reading the lyrics?”, has been gaining attention.
Their 8th single Antinomy, written as the ending theme for the TV anime NieR:Automata Ver1.1a, features an ensemble with depth and a floating quality that truly stirs the heart.
The lyrics, which depict a reality that doesn’t go the way we hope, resonate with the anime while likely striking a chord with many listeners.
It’s an emotional, lyrical rock tune characterized by a wistful vocal delivery and melody.
The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (151–160)
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER
A song by the rock band SUPER BEAVER, included on their album “Ongaku” released in February 2024.
The straightforward lyrics carry messages that strike a chord with you, one by one.
Vocalist Ryota Shibuya’s powerful voice is also memorable.
And the wish to “create lots of smiles” is truly wonderful.
This work makes you feel the importance of human connection.
If you’re feeling worn out by everyday life, it will probably resonate with you even more.
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.
ALIVESPEED
A song by the music group SPEED, released in July 1998 as the theme for the film Andromedia.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a major hit, staying on the charts for 16 weeks.
The lyrics poignantly depict life’s journey and the power of love, conveying the message that with a heart that believes, you can reach the promised land.
It’s a track that perfectly captures a page of youth, blending freshness and bittersweetness in exquisite balance.
As a song that stands by you and offers support at any time, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
A single released in 2016.
It was distributed simultaneously with “Manatsu no Tooriame.” It’s the theme song for the NHK morning drama Toto Nee-chan.
It sings of love and gratitude toward a dear person.
You might think, with the morning-drama image, that it’s a song about a happy married couple, but actually it’s about two people right before they part ways.
Still, it doesn’t have a sad mood; it conveys gratitude—thank you for all the happy times we had.
It’s a very mature way to say goodbye.
