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. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (151–160)
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.
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.
usmilet
A standout single by milet released in 2019.
It was the theme song for the drama “Deception of Love” (Gisou Furin).
The song conveys the feelings of a woman in a contractual relationship.
Since the affair is just a lie, neither of them is supposed to have romantic feelings.
But the woman in the song has truly fallen for her partner and is torn about whether to confess.
She struggles between the fear that this fabricated relationship might end and her desire to be accepted.
DreamerJO1
This song, released in February 2022 as an anthem to support those chasing their dreams, was written as the theme for the omnibus drama Short Program, in which all JO1 members starred.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad filled with encouragement for everyone who refuses to stop moving forward, featuring a dramatic structure where stillness and motion intersect.
The lyrics portray a positive resolve to press on, carrying the light received from someone dear, and the image of continuing step by step despite uncertainty inspires courage.
For JO1, it is also a song that symbolizes the bonds among the members.
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
This is a song by Naotaro Moriyama, captivating for its ballad beautifully sung with a distinctive vocal timbre.
Not only the lyrics but also the accompaniment give it a very Japanese atmosphere, with a somewhat solemn feel.
When you read the lyrics, you might think it’s a love song… but actually, it isn’t.
In fact, this piece was created as an anti-war song.
Once you know that background and look at the lyrics again, many parts make perfect sense.
In a beautiful and compelling way, it sings about events that we Japanese should pass down through the generations.
AhSuperfly
A song that offers deep healing, like letting out a big sigh on your behalf when you can’t give voice to your sorrow or pain.
The instrumental version included on the June 2011 album “Mind Travel” drew a huge response, and, answering the passionate calls from fans, it was later released as a single.
It was also featured in a short film at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2011.
This is a work I’d like to dedicate to those whose hearts are utterly exhausted and who wish to quietly face themselves.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (161–170)
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.