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 the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (181–190)
Et ceteraŌhashi Torio
A medium-tempo song by Ohashi Trio where thrilling strings intersect with intricately woven instrumental melodies.
It was pre-released in October 2024 and later included on his 16th album, “GOLD HOUR.” The lyrics by Kazunori Ichikawa of Youmou to Ohana capture universal emotions and subtle shifts of the heart found amid everyday change.
Elegant piano and gentle guitar tones perfectly complement the song’s delicate worldview.
It’s the kind of track that will gently wrap you in its calm melodies when you want to step away from daily clamor and settle your mind—an ideal piece for quiet moments of self-reflection.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that seeps in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (191–200)
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.
forget-me-notNOKKO
With Rebecca’s vocalist Nokko—known for her distinctive singing voice—at the helm, the 1998 release Wasurenagusa is a song with a dreamlike beauty, like a flower swayed by the wind.
The composer is Yuka Kawamura, who has crafted numerous songs including SMAP’s Yozora no Mukou.
The gently flowing acoustic guitar and Nokko’s tender vocals resonate deeply.
The lyrics evoke the changing seasons of nature and bring to mind a cherished person and those days that have become treasures.
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.
zebraOchiai Wataru
This piece resonates with a strong resolve that says, “We just have to keep moving forward.” It’s a song by Wataru Ochiai, a singer-songwriter from Osaka also known as the creator of “Birthday Song,” released in April 2023.
The mix-style sound arrangement and his grounded, solid vocals leave a strong impression.
It feels as if emotions welling up from deep within are carried on that sound.
If you’ve been feeling the hardships of everyday life, it will likely strike a particularly deep chord.
