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
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- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
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- 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 (151–160)
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.
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.
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.
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
A poignant ballad that portrays mature romance.
Performed by Anzenchitai, it was released in 1983.
The song was also featured in a Suntory “Akadama Punch” commercial and became a major hit.
It was chosen as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s National Thursday Theater series “Machigaidarake no Otto Erabi” (“Choosing the Wrong Husband”).
Koji Tamaki’s emotionally rich vocals and the profound lyrics penned by Yōsui Inoue resonate deeply.
Like a well-aged wine, it reveals new nuances the more you listen—a true classic.
OathBEGIN
With its beautiful piano melody and powerful vocals, this uplifting anthem fuels the resolve to face any hardship.
Even when you feel discouraged by a horizon that seems to recede no matter how far you walk, it conveys in straightforward words the importance of never giving up and continuing toward tomorrow.
Released in August 2004 as a single by BEGIN, the song was used as the ending theme for the summer tradition “Netto Koshien.” If you’re hitting walls on the path to your goal and feel your spirit wavering, this is the song you need to hear.
Listen, and you’ll find yourself thinking, “I’ll give it one more try,” ready to look ahead and take a strong step forward.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (161–170)
deep-sea fish10-FEET
The movie THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, released in December 2022, became a major sensation.
During its production, another masterpiece was born.
This song, written and composed by TAKUMA, was created by empathizing with the perspective of a certain mother who appears in the story.
You can keenly feel the anguish and love of someone who can’t be honest with herself, seeing the image of her deceased son in the son who is still alive.
The track is included on the album Collins and was written impulsively in parallel with the production of the candidate theme song.
Listening to it after watching the film may add even greater depth to the characters’ stories.
It’s a song I hope you’ll play on a quiet night when you want to reflect on someone dear to you.