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. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (51–60)
Come Again8LOOM
Leaping from the Tuesday drama “Kimi no Hana ni Naru,” starring Tsubasa Honda, into real-world success, the limited-time boy group 8LOOM has become a hot topic.
“Come Again” is their debut single, and it’s truly a song filled with resolve.
It wraps you in a gentle yet steadily forward-moving tempo and melody.
The lyrics and the members’ vocals, which give you the courage to push past setbacks and pursue your dreams, are powerful yet tender, easing the heart.
When you feel like you might falter, the words resonate even more deeply, giving you the strength to let your own flowers bloom!
SignFLOW
FLOW’s “Sign,” well-known for being used as a theme song for the anime Naruto, perfectly matches the show’s world, where friends fight and grow together.
Among Naruto fans, it’s highly regarded as a legendary track.
The lyrics especially resonate in the parts that teach us that true strength lies in kindness.
They overflow with the reassuring feeling that someone cares about you, and with the courage to keep moving forward even when you’re afraid.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
You’re moved right from the intro, aren’t you? It’s “Soranin,” the phenomenal classic by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION and the theme song for the film Soranin.
In the movie, the story ends with the two protagonists—a man and a woman—going their separate ways.
This piece reflects the film’s worldview, singing about a parting that arises through growth, built around the story flowing between the two—days gone by, regrets, and all.
Among those are separations that are inevitable and separations we choose ourselves.
It’s pretty heartbreaking.
By the way, “solanine” is the toxin found in potato sprouts.
But this toxin is apparently essential for the potato’s growth—try layering that meaning onto the lyrics.
Deep!
Black sheepKeyakizaka46
Known for sharp, piercing lyrics like those in “Silent Majority,” this is one of Keyakizaka46’s standout songs.
This track also carries a powerful message that strengthens a heart wrestling with doubt or on the verge of weakness.
The title, “Black Sheep,” refers to a single black sheep lost among white ones, representing the song’s protagonist, whose individuality differs from those around them.
Surely everyone has experienced having their unique traits pointed out or forced to conform, but listening to this song makes you realize it’s okay to leave them as they are—because that’s exactly what makes you who you are.
The lyrics are profound and great. A song that sinks in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (61–70).
LeoYuuri
Leo is a moving song that portrays the bond between a dog and its owner.
It’s included on singer-songwriter Yuuri’s 2022 album Ichi, released after his breakout hit Dry Flower made his name widely known.
Warm piano tones resonate over a mid-tempo track.
Told from a dog’s perspective, the lyrics depicting everyday life with its owner are tear-jerking.
It’s a heartwarming piece that makes you appreciate the presence of those close to you.
Whether you have a pet or not, be sure to give it a listen.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Glorious Bridge was chosen as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts.
The music duo Yuzu, known for delivering positive messages that brighten people’s hearts, released it in 2004.
It has been performed on numerous TV programs, so many of you may already know it.
It’s a warm message song that cheers on the days spent striving toward your “dreams” and “goals.” Their harmonies resound alongside moving strings.
Give it a listen when you’re struggling or pausing in life—this song will give you strength.
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is Kazuyoshi Saito’s fourth single, released in 1994.
It also became a hot topic as the opening song for the children’s TV show “Ponkikkies,” which was on air at the time.
It’s a simple track centered on guitar, bass, drums, and organ, but precisely because of that simplicity, its depictions of everyday, ordinary moments feel somehow poignant, evoking a sense of frustration we can relate to.
There are times when you don’t know what to do, but you can look up at the sky with drifting clouds and take a leisurely walk.
It’s the kind of song that puts you in that mood—a true classic that actually resonates more and more as you grow older.
