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. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (161–170)
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.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
It’s a moving rock ballad that sings of pursuing dreams in the city while gazing up at the dawn sky.
This is Crystal King’s signature song, released in November 1979.
From February to March of the following year, it topped the charts for six consecutive weeks and became a million-seller.
Since then, it has been featured in numerous commercials and cover versions.
The dramatic melody blends Monsieur Yoshizaki’s deep vocals with Masayuki Tanaka’s high tones, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.
It’s a song we’d love people to hear if they left their hometown to chase a dream or are about to dive into a new environment.
Under the sky of love where red berries burstyamazaru
A love song sung by singer-songwriter Yamazaru, “Under the Sky of Love Where the Red Berry Burst,” celebrates love with every fiber of the soul.
Every single word is filled with care and affection, and you can’t stop feeling butterflies as you listen! It’s a heartfelt outpouring of sincere feelings for a destined partner, expressed in straightforward language, so the love comes through directly to the listener.
Being able to call your partner your destiny in the first place is wonderful, isn’t it? This is a song that makes you want to cherish and nurture your current love even more.
A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke
It was released in 2016 as Keisuke Kuwata’s 17th single.
The song was chosen as the theme for the film “Gold Medal Man,” and there’s a story that director Teruyoshi Uchimura sent a handwritten letter expressing his desire for an original theme song, which led to its creation.
It’s a life-affirming anthem that supports those who chase their dreams and wraps the sting of frustration and setbacks in a beautiful melody and gentle warmth.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
A famous song by a Showa-era diva, released in January 1989 as the final single of her life.
Its lyrics, which liken one’s life journey to the flow of a river, resonate deeply with listeners.
The words were penned by Yasushi Akimoto, said to have drawn inspiration from New York’s East River.
You can feel the grandeur and calm of life, as well as the bonds with a loved one.
It also carries a message to younger generations, and it’s a song whose depth you come to appreciate more with age.
A perfect listen when you’re lost in life—or together with someone special.
GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN
A masterpiece that deeply questions the meaning of life and one’s own worth has been making waves.
The ballad released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in November 2006 is a work that expresses the self by likening life to a “job.” Its meticulously crafted guitar riffs and delicate vocals weave a melody that gently stays with the listener, evoking profound empathy.
The piece was also developed as a puppet-theater DVD, with band members serving as voice actors, expanding its world beyond music.
This is a song especially for those searching for what it means to live true to themselves, or for anyone feeling worn out by daily life.
forever; for good; indefinitelyBEGIN
A heartwarming song about building a future together with someone special.
The gentle tones of the sanshin and Eisho Higa’s expressive vocals draw you into a relaxed mood.
Even if you can’t choose where you were born and raised, anywhere becomes a “hometown” as long as you’re with the one you love.
That hopeful feeling is easy to imagine even without reading the lyrics.
Released in February 2004 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it also became well known as the commercial song for Marukin Chuyu’s “Ryukyu Moromi Vinegar.” Even those who usually feel too shy to express their feelings will want to say, “Every day I spend with you is a treasure,” after listening to this piece.
It’s a classic we hope couples starting a new life together will hear.