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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- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
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- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
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- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
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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 seeps in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (191–200)
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.
Midnight+alpha/arufakyun.
+α/Alfakyun, who is active as a vocalist, collaborated with Vocaloid producer A2 Mizuno to create “Midnight.” It was produced as a “song you can sink into at night,” featuring a gentle, piano-based melody.
In contrast, the lyrics sing about emotional pain with a soothing touch and depict the transition from late night to morning.
As a result, it’s the kind of track that could lull you peacefully to sleep.
It’s also recommended for the appeal of her high-tone vocals.
mysteryHoshino Gen
A song released in 2021 by pop star Gen Hoshino.
The lyrics feel so deep that it seems like infinite interpretations could arise even within a single person, making it honestly very hard to put into words.
While it consistently portrays the miracle of being drawn to each other and feelings for someone precious, it also seems to resonate with today’s world, where we tend to suppress our true selves.
I feel it sings about affirming instinct beyond logic and the importance of being straightforward about what you love.
There’s a warmth that seeps in—the profound value of having the person you care for or the things you love right there with you.
Personally, I love the final line.
Simple yet deeply probing human love, it’s a warming masterpiece that’s quintessentially Gen.
An accidental answerSakurazaka46
This is a coupling track from Sakurazaka46’s 2nd single “BAN,” released after the group rebranded from Keyakizaka46 and made a fresh start in 2020.
It might be heard as a love song, or perhaps not.
From the intro’s melody—which evokes a nostalgic feeling—you’re instantly drawn in, as if memories from that day gently resurface.
When you encounter a side of yourself you didn’t know, or meet a new version of yourself—surely everyone has felt, at least once, that strange moment of being guided by something.
Sometimes coincidences overlap to create a flow that feels like fate.
Even while feeling bewildered by such change, this song hits especially hard when you want to question yourself.
With Karin Fujiyoshi’s expressive performance at center and the song’s profound lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that resonates deeply.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Classic Japanese songs, recommended popular tracks (201–210)
everlasting lampPEOPLE 1
This song gently wraps the feelings of young people who live by the small light in their hearts.
Released by PEOPLE 1 in July 2020, it features a comfortable jazz- and funk-infused groove and lyrics brimming with vivid metaphors.
By skillfully weaving together contrasting motifs—heaven and school, God and convenience stores, talent and a swing—it portrays the struggles and hopes of youth living in the present day.
The pop-styled animated video by animator coalowl surpassed 1.4 million views within just two weeks of its release.
It’s a song that quietly gives a push to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts yet still try to keep moving forward.
guidelinesUru
Uru’s “Kokoroe” was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kazama Kyojin — Kyōjō 0 —.” Released as a single in 2023, it’s truly a song that teaches us the ‘lessons’ of life.
The lyrics convey that no life is free of mistakes or regrets, and emphasize the importance of moving forward while overcoming them.
It’s a perfect theme for a drama that focuses on police officers who face various aspects of life and death.
Be sure to give it a listen!
BELOVEDGLAY
The song that makes you want to stay forever by the side of a partner with whom you’ve overcome many hardships is “BELOVED.” It was released in 1996 by GLAY, an indispensable name when talking about Japan’s visual kei rock bands, and was used as the theme song for the drama “A Summer Proposal.” TERU’s passionate vocals etched into the straightforward band performance are truly heart-throbbing.
It’s a moving love song that portrays “life” and “love,” choices we make even amid uncertainty.
Its radiant, warm melody will soothe your heart.
Try listening to it while thinking of someone special to you.
