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. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (181–190)
to go see (someone) / to go meetaimyon
It’s a warm folk-rock song that gently wraps around the feelings deep in your heart.
It’s Aimyon’s 16th single, released digitally in May 2023.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary,” its lyrics strikingly align with the drama’s theme of “memory.” Each word, carried by the sound of the acoustic guitar, is sure to resonate with you—perhaps even bringing a cherished person to mind.
happiness!!!Kimura Kaera
It’s a message song marked by an exhilarating, heart-thumping melody.
Written by Kaela Kimura, it was released as a digital single in October 2004.
Many may recognize it as the song used in Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “Sesera” commercial.
Through Kaela’s warm vocals, it conveys the importance of finding happiness in everyday life.
Listening to this track during a hectic day might just help you feel a little lighter.
Life is short, maidens, fall in love.kuriipuhaipe
A track from the 2012 album “I Thought I’d Be Loved for the Rest of My Life.” It’s a beloved classic among fans since their indie days.
It depicts a woman’s way of life like a story.
She doesn’t live in the world of office workers—she lives in the nightlife.
She works just to get by, but she still wishes to be happy someday.
BrainwashingRADWIMPS
It’s a memorable track with a strong focus on spoken lines and message.
It questions the imposition of values by parents and those around you, powerfully expressing a young person’s cry for a life that stays true to themselves.
This ambitious work showcases RADWIMPS’ keen insight and expressive power, with spoken passages woven throughout the lyrics that create a dramatic progression.
The song was included on a single released in May 2017, and is said to have had the working title “Religion.” Another intriguing point is that it was produced using sampled drum recordings from Satoshi Yamaguchi, who was on hiatus at the time.
In karaoke, the expressiveness of the spoken parts becomes especially important, and by singing with genuine emotion, you can uncover new layers of interpretation.
It’s a piercing message song that resonates with people who feel life is hard or who lack confidence in their own values.
The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER
It’s a soul-stirring song that gently embraces the loneliness and struggles everyone carries in their hearts.
It delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of accepting the invisible, deep-seated emotions within us just as they are.
Created by SUPER BEAVER in January 2025, the piece was written as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” further enriching the show’s world.
Airing from the same January, the drama features the track as a key song that closely reflects the protagonist’s feelings, including a scene where a main character sings it.
Whether you’re standing at a crossroads in life, trying to confront yourself, or hoping to understand someone else’s feelings, this is a song that will surely resonate with your heart.
NonfictionHirai Ken
A heartfelt message song born from the experience of losing a close friend.
Ken Hirai’s powerful vocals portray the longing for a lost life and the wish to meet again, with a voice that stirs the soul.
Since its release in June 2017, this medium-tempo ballad has resonated with many.
Created as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Little Giant,” its delicate, acoustic guitar–based arrangement harmonizes beautifully with the drama’s worldview.
The lyrics probe deeply into the meaning of life and gently embrace life’s struggles and setbacks, woven with warm words that stay close to the heart.
This work will light a quiet beacon in the hearts of those standing at life’s crossroads or holding feelings for someone dear.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
This is a gem of a love song that Fujii Kaze wrote in March 2024 as the theme for the film “April, Come She Will,” starring Takeru Satoh, which contrasts life’s transience with pure love.
The gentle piano melody is striking, and the song tenderly conveys how the heart becomes fulfilled by letting go of attachment.
In the music video directed by Tomokazu Yamada, Fujii Kaze himself plays a dual role as both an elderly man and a young man, depicting deep love for a mother.
Accompanying life’s precious moments and soothing the soul, this work resonates deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting, or who are struggling with important relationships.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you wish to reflect on yourself while surrendering to the sound of the piano.