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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The lyrics are profound and great. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (21–30)
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
It was the debut single of Keyakizaka46, released in 2016.
The title “Silent Majority” refers to the large number of people who cannot raise their voices.
Applying that to young people, it sends encouragement to those who can’t express their feelings because they worry about how others see them.
As the saying goes, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” standing out alone is often seen as a bad thing.
But in truth, you’re allowed to do what you want and live freely.
sob sobKamiyama Yagi
A warm world where the viewpoint shifts from parent to child, and then to adulthood.
Centered on the theme of a parent’s feelings as their child grows up and leaves the nest, this song was released digitally in June 2025 and drew attention for being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” for its June–July 2025 broadcast.
Among Yoh Kamiyama’s discography, it comes closer to everyday life and family, and its conversational singing style is soothing.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to look back on time spent with family.
Spring Dayaimyon
Singer-songwriter Aimyon, who hails from Hyogo Prefecture.
Her songs are filled with a gentle warmth that quietly helps you notice the important things in everyday life.
“Harunohi” was written as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~.
When two people who were once lovers become husband and wife, then have a child… becoming a family means that the number of things you hold dear grows.
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS has many songs whose lyrics people can relate to and that move listeners to tears.
Their song “Yūshinron” is surely one of them.
Released in 2006 as the band’s seventh single, it’s also one of their signature tracks.
It feels close to home—not just about oneself or someone important, but as if it turns its gaze to all sorts of things within the reach of one’s thoughts.
Even when you’re struggling with various worries, this is a number that can clear your mind and help many people change their way of thinking.
KBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN is known for their exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
“K” tells the story of a despised black cat and the painter who gave him a name.
The name the black cat received was “Holly Night.” The cat risks his life to deliver a letter from the painter, who collapses from poverty, and then stops moving.
It’s a sad ending in which the recipient buries him in the garden, but the moment you realize the letter of the alphabet added to the name, a bittersweet feeling wells up that’s more than just sadness.
gardenNEW!Fuji Kaze
This is a song that gently portrays human emotions as they change with the passing of the seasons.
Set to a soothing sound that incorporates gospel elements, it carries a message about cherishing and nurturing your own heart and your connections with those around you, even as meetings and partings repeat.
Included on Fujii Kaze’s album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” released in March 2022, the track was also featured in NatureLab’s “Laundrin” TV commercial.
Its structure, building from a calm tempo to a powerful climax in the latter half, draws you in.
This piece quietly stays by your side when you’re uncertain or want to find calm.
Experience the kindness of accepting yourself just as you are.
Good night, God.Kamiyama Yagi
A song with an addictive, mysterious atmosphere that portrays a sadness like having lost everything and a clumsy self-awareness.
As it gradually takes on a rock flavor partway through, Kamiyama Yoh’s gentle, conversational singing soothes you.
Notably, this ballad was released back in October 2019 and closes the album “Yumemiru Kodomo,” which carries a complementary concept.
Close your eyes while listening, and you might find time to face your inner self.