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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- 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.
- 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
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- 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 they sink in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (31–40)
budKobukuro
Kobukuro’s Tsubomi, written as the theme song for the drama Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad, has been loved by many since its 2007 release.
In fact, the song was written by Kobuchi for his late mother.
When the song won the Japan Record Award the same year it was released, Kobuchi reportedly said, “I believe my late mother was singing along with me.” The image of “tsubomi” (a flower bud)—which appears in the title and lyrics—overlaps with the figure of a mother, making it impossible to listen without tears.
This song, which sings of a mother’s strength, kindness, and love, will make you want to express your gratitude right away.
Walk TogetherHirai Dai
It’s a message song overflowing with hope that we want people all around the world to hear.
Released in April 2024, it was also featured in a commercial for the Nissan Note e-POWER.
Its refreshing, surf music–inspired sound is striking.
In Dai Hirai’s gentle yet powerful vocals, you can feel the resolve to overcome life’s hardships and keep moving forward.
The tones of the guitar and ukulele are rhythmic, like the sound of waves.
When you’re feeling down or about to start something new, it will surely give you a gentle push.
Beautiful finsupittsu
This song is striking for its melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Created by Spitz and released in April 2023, it was used as the theme song for the feature film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine.
It delicately portrays the pain of repeated failures and the courage to try again, carrying a strength that seems to give listeners a gentle push forward.
Even amid changing circumstances and setbacks, it conveys the importance of not losing hope through a familiar, catchy tune that makes you want to hum along.
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
Centered around YouTube and social media, its brutally candid lyrics sparked mixed reactions and turned it into a major topic as a tear-jerker, an “emo” song.
It’s sung by a man with a slightly husky voice, but the lyrics are written from a woman’s perspective.
The protagonist, who is still hung up on her ex while dating a new boyfriend, tells him, “You should hurry up and find a new girlfriend,” and that forced bravado is just so heartbreaking…
Also, the title “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” grows more and more poignant and helpless the more you look at it and think about it.
A Naked Heartaimyon
Aimyon’s songs have so many relatable lyrics that I think a lot of people love them.
She also has many songs about love, but this one especially seeps gently into your heart.
I’m sure many of us have been hurt in love and thought, “I’m never falling in love again.” And yet we still end up falling in love, don’t we? The lyrics that capture that helplessly tender feeling—and the resolve and determination to go and express it—are not to be missed.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (41–50)
Since I was littleJUDY AND MARY
A single released in 1995 by the rock band JUDY AND MARY, who gained popularity with their overwhelming individuality.
Its flowing, beautiful melody and wistful guitar phrases are also striking.
What grips you from the start are the lyrics, which feel like a recollection of childhood.
The word “spell” that appears several times must have been something that truly gave strength.
It may represent the very childlike spirit we forgot upon becoming adults.
Each gentle, conversational word resonates deeply in this song.
If I can laughUrufuruzu
In our daily lives, there are always one or two things that leave us feeling unfulfilled—anxious that we’re not getting closer to our dreams, tempted to give up thinking it might be impossible, or working desperately without seeing any reward.
In moments like these, Ulfuls’ “Waraereba” (“If We Can Smile”) lets you take a breather.
Even amid days full of frustrations, it encourages you to remember your original feelings, relax your shoulders, and keep moving forward little by little.
The lyrics are simple, so the more you listen, the more personally they resonate.
Looking back, you’ll be able to live believing that a day will come when you can laugh and say, ‘That was tough back then.’