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. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (11–20).
deep redMy Hair is Bad
With its straightforward lyrics that grip listeners’ hearts, “Makka” is one of My Hair is Bad’s signature songs.
Falling in love is a wonderful thing.
The time spent with someone you love is irreplaceable.
But if they can touch your body yet never reach your heart, it only leaves you feeling empty.
In that case, maybe we should break up—no, I still can’t let go…
This song captures that helpless, aching pain.
Dear, boyNEW!Hump Back
An archetypal rock number that rides on a driving, exhilarating sound to teach us the value of never giving up on our dreams.
This song stands beside the inner turmoil of a heart wavering between ideals and harsh reality, and its warm message—like a pat on the back urging you to start walking again, even if you take the long way around—is its greatest charm.
Knowing that vocalist Momoko Hayashi drew on notes from her teenage years to craft words to her former companions also gives it a true-to-life authenticity.
Released in June 2018 as their major-label debut, the track also served in tie-ins such as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” I highly recommend giving it a listen when you feel close to giving up or want to fire yourself up again.
Boeingsayonara poezi
It’s included on Sayonara Poesie’s fourth album, SUNG LEGACY.
Released in March 2024, this song uses symbolic lyrics to depict the contradictions of modern society and personal inner struggles.
You can really feel life’s uncertainty and helplessness—and the defiance in spite of it.
Its alternative, emotional rock sound further amplifies the message of the lyrics.
Listening to it when you want to reflect on social structures or the meaning of your own existence might give you new insights.
mistaken identityshiyui
It’s a piece that strikes a chord with the desire to become a new version of yourself.
It’s included on Siyui’s debut album “be noble” and was released digitally in May 2024.
The lyrics and music were written by 40mP.
The delicate vocals are striking, and beneath the pop sound, the song delves deeply into raw, human emotions.
It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone who feels the frustration of not having their personal growth recognized.
lulu.NEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a song that moves the heart with its grand sense of scale—like the boundary between endings and beginnings, and feelings that change shape and are passed on.
Riding on a lively rhythm, it features a dramatic development where the chorus suddenly opens up the view, and its lingering words resonate deeply.
Released in January 2026 as the opening of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s Phase 3, the track was written as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
The live stream right before its release drew an extraordinary level of excitement, peaking at around 200,000 viewers.
Its sound, which evokes vast nature and the passage of long time, is perfect for quietly reflecting on precious memories or for the moment you take a new step in life.
rendezvousNEW!shaitoopu
Shaito-up, a rock band that skyrocketed to fame thanks to social media and more.
This signature track of theirs vividly captures the poignant moments right after a breakup.
Scenes like their partner’s belongings disappearing from the room and reflections on the happiness of everyday life quietly pierce the heart.
The song was written and composed by vocalist So Sasaki.
After its release as a digital-only single in April 2023, it was also included on their full-length album “Hors d’œuvre.” Spurred by this hit, the band went on to land anime tie-ins and more, achieving a cumulative total of 300 million streams as of May 2025.
It’s a song that will gently stay by the side of anyone carrying the pain of an unforgettable love.
The lyrics are profound and great. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (21–30)
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
If you were to name the most dynamic artist in Japan right now, wouldn’t this person come to mind? This song, included on Kenshi Yonezu’s third album Bremen released in 2015, is about human relationships—mainly the misalignment that happens in romance.
A metronome, like the ones we used in music class, keeps time with precise rhythm and tempo, but it doesn’t last forever; eventually it drifts out of sync.
The song treats that slight drift as a metaphor for emotional misalignment in love, yet it’s filled with deep affection—a bittersweet love song.
