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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- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
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- 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 profound and great. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (21–30)
blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS
A classic by THE BLUE HEARTS, “Aozora.” You might be tempted to read it as “aozora,” but it’s actually pronounced “aoi sora.” The lyrics dwell on themes of peace and justice, leaving you with much to think about after listening.
It’s a masterpiece that many artists have covered.
Because you are hereKadokawa Sarasa
It’s a message song packed to the brim with heartfelt feelings for someone special, one that warms you from the inside out.
It’s a track by Sarasa Kadowaki, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released digitally in April 2023.
The bright vocals from Kadowaki pair perfectly with the light, acoustic guitar–driven arrangement.
The chorus is so satisfying it feels like it sweeps away the worries and hardships that had been swirling in your chest.
Give it a listen and you’ll surely picture your best friend or partner.
The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more they sink in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (31–40)
For Whom the Alchemist ExistsMr.Children
Speaking of Mr.
Children, they’ve released not only love songs but also many tracks that address social issues.
Among them, this song—first released in 2003—takes on a heavy topic and, wrapped in Sakurai’s characteristic gentleness, tosses it straight into the listener’s heart.
It’s a wonderful piece that, when you listen to it, can prompt you to look for something you yourself can do.
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
This song, perfect for a wedding filled with love, is probably one you’ve heard before, isn’t it? Its lyrics are memorable for the story of a man in a couple who vows to turn the journey the two of them will walk into a movie.
As they spend their lives together, there will be countless happy moments, views they’ll want to see again and again, each other’s smiles—and sometimes there may be hard times, too.
The lyrics, which speak of recording all of that on a long film, are truly heartwarming.
yearsSakanakushon
Many of you may remember it playing with Ichiro Yamaguchi’s narration in the Honda “Insight” commercial.
It’s a song Sakanaction released to the world in July 2011 as the B-side to the single “Bach no Senritsu o Yoru ni Kiita Seidesu.” It portrays the determination to keep believing in the unchanging things within oneself, even while being exposed to the currents of the times.
When you want to reexamine your core, listening to it will surely support your heart.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
A timeless song that became the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” and Hata Motohiro’s 17th single.
From the yearning guitar intro to lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one, it’s a ballad like a heartfelt gift.
Rather than reaching or exaggerating, the lyrics convey love in a natural way that feels real and relatable to anyone.
From the opening lines, its delicate imagery draws your heart into a beautiful world.
The message about the importance of expressing your feelings is sure to leave a deep impression.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
It’s a classic with a touch of bittersweetness that brings back memories of a faint youth and first love.
Like a fleeting dream, its lyrics and melody evoke beautiful scenes, and the more you listen as the years go by, the more new flavors it reveals—never fading, always sinking deep into the heart no matter how many times you hear it.