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.

Playlist

The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Feelin’ Go(o)dFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s new song is a masterpiece overflowing with positive messages.
2	junkYonezu Kenshi		Singing about feelings for a loved one and the meaning of life
3	AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN		Sing the moving Pokémon collaboration song, Kizuna
4	Please forget it.Yorushika		A poignant, heart-touching song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a broken heart.
5	IfRADWIMPS		The bittersweet shift in our relationship after confessing my feelings
6	Traces of LightHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino passionately performs the film’s theme song
7	BurningHitsuji Bungaku		[Oshi no Ko] Ending: A Deep Dive into the Emotions of the Heart
8	Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE		The refreshing theme song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE
9	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		A Ryokuoushoku Shakai song that sings about feelings toward youth
10	aruku aroundSakanakushon		A masterpiece that depicts days of walking in uncertainty
11	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic songs gently give a push to your life
12	fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu		The scent of youth, fragrant olive, and the sweet-and-sour taste of love
13	Sharks and MermaidsOkamura Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Okamura’s new song: deep emotions and a poetic worldview
14	As you areCentipede & Rhyme Man		A heartbreaking love song by Centipede & Rhyme Man becomes a big hit
15	deep redMy Hair is Bad		A youthful song that sings of heartache and the fleeting nature of love
16	Dear, boyHump Back		Rock that teaches the nobility of pursuing dreams
17	Boeingsayonara poezi		A rock song that depicts the contradictions and conflicts of society
18	mistaken identityshiyui		A moving song about my feelings toward my own change
19	lulu.Mrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s new song is a hot topic
20	rendezvousshaitoopu		Shy Toad’s heartbreak song surpasses 300 million plays
21	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s heartrending love song: lovers missing each other
22	Silent majorityKeyakizaka46		A cheer to the silent majority of young people: live freely.
23	sob sobKamiyama Yagi		A warm world where children grow into adults
24	Spring Dayaimyon		A heartwarming song by Aimyon from Hyogo
25	Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS		A timeless song that resonates with the heart and changes lives
26	KBUMP OF CHICKEN		A wistful tale of a black cat and a painter
27	gardenFuji Kaze		A song that portrays the changes of seasons and emotions in a gospel style
28	Good night, God.Kamiyama Yagi		A soothing ballad that portrays a sense of loss and self-awareness
29	Chronostasiskinoko teikoku		A song whose nostalgic tones resonate with the heart
30	Twilight PaintingNisshoku Natsuko		A song that depicts a poignant twilight landscape
31	For Whom the Alchemist ExistsMr.Children		Mr. Children gently sing about social issues.
32	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		A message to a friend, a memorable song
33	1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism		Touching lyrics for a love-filled wedding
34	Because you are hereKadokawa Sarasa		Sarasa Kadowaki’s warm message song
35	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A timeless masterpiece whose poignant coming-of-age song resonates with the heart
36	blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS		The Blue Hearts’ classic song “Aozora”
37	GaiaSiip		The charm of Siip, healing the heart with mystical music
38	A Naked Heartaimyon		Aimyon: Love lyrics that resonate with the heart
39	KanadeSukima Suichi		A heartrending love song, a melody that stirs the heart
40	On the night when the stars disappearedAimer		A profound song that sings of a wistful maiden’s heart
41	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s famous song that conveys feelings for a precious person
42	I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci		A buzzworthy song that portrays a heartrending love; its lyrical depth is particularly striking.
43	yearsSakanakushon		A song that supports the heart, believing in an unchanging core
44	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		Aiko’s classic, the lyrics of Love and Trust, resonate with the heart.
45	Walk TogetherHirai Dai		A message of hope: move forward in life
46	horizonback number		The efforts and hopes of high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic
47	Don’t give upZARD		A song that believes in fate and wholeheartedly supports a lover
48	Beautiful finsupittsu		A moving masterpiece by Spitz that portrays hope
49	If I can laughUrufuruzu		Amid dreams and hard work, never forget to smile.
50	Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children		A song of courage that cherishes one’s own step
51	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo's signature song that sings about the shock of 9/11
52	dew; (also) Russia (abbr., old usage); exposure/revelation; bare/naked; dewdrop; transient/ephemeralSiip		Siip's genreless new song resonates with the heart.
53	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		A famous song by Mr.Children, a track that evokes hope for tomorrow
54	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is a song of love for a mother.
55	Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi		A song that portrays the poignant emotions of Kenshi Yonezu
56	OCEANB’z		B'z's 'OCEAN' is the theme song of the movie 'Umizaru'.
57	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Bridge of Glory, a song that gives courage to life
58	Lion HeartSMAP		Introduction to SMAP’s classic hit “The Only Flower in the World”
59	Come Again8LOOM		8LOOM's debut single conveys the courage to pursue dreams.
60	LeoYuuri		A moving song that depicts the bond between a dog and its owner
61	Since I was littleJUDY AND MARY		The moving songs of JUDY AND MARY
62	contrailArai Yumi		A masterpiece that sings of the fragility and beauty of life, using clouds as a metaphor
63	SignFLOW		Grow together with your companions, cherishing courage and kindness.
64	SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		A poignant coming-of-age song about farewell and growth
65	I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi		The famous song from Kazuyoshi Saito’s popular single “Ponkikkies.”
66	It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu		A classic song about the difficulty of conveying one’s feelings
67	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		A letter to tomorrow: hope and encouragement for the future
68	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A song of gratitude to my family and the determination to stay true to my own path
69	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		A hit song by DREAMS, an inspiring cheer song
70	If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro		An anthem that embraces the hardship of living
71	instinctShiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo’s Honnō: a deep portrayal of the human heart
72	PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism’s “Pretender” is about a heartbreaking love
73	YELLikimonogakari		The cheering song “YELL” is a masterpiece by Ikimonogakari.
74	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A song with lyrics that resonate in the heart and give the courage to live
75	latencyNisshoku Natsuko		Natsuko Nisshoku’s Heart-Piercing “Latency”
76	foreignerKUBOTA Saki		Showa-era masterpiece: the oriental world of a foreigner
77	Velvet Poemback number		An anthem by Back Number that encourages and inspires people
78	A person who loves springGLAY		GLAY’s “A Lover of Spring” is a masterpiece born from TAKURO’s travels.
79	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		A powerful song that conveys the will to move forward
80	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		A masterpiece that sings of hope and the splendor of life
81	Black sheepKeyakizaka46		“Black Sheep” is a powerful song that affirms individuality.
82	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		A masterpiece that cherishes individuality and strives to be one of a kind
83	Words are triangular, hearts are square.kururi		A classic song that sings about the relationship between words and the heart
84	I miss you. I want to see you.Tezuka Shota		Theme song of 'Your Turn to Kill' sung by Kei Tanaka
85	apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism		A profound song that contemplates life and death, questioning the meaning of life.
86	Midnight ExpresswayOkazaki Taiiku		A moving masterpiece that heals the heart in times of rock bottom
87	Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho		Everyone is the protagonist, Miho Nakayama’s famous song
88	Best FriendKiroro		An inspiring masterpiece that celebrates friendship and expresses gratitude to those who are dear to us
89	bookmarkkuriipuhaipe		Youthful Songs of the Radio Station and TSUTAYA
90	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		Demon Slayer theme song, a song about facing hardships
91	Seven Billion PiecesHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s heartfelt song about love that resonates with the heart
92	There’s a hole in my heart.Yorushika		Elma’s Journey and Her Feelings for the Previous Protagonist
93	You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima's 'Fight!' is an inspiring song that resonates with the heart.
94	Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru		Takahara Pistol’s powerful singing and expressive ability
95	Forget-me-notTakahashi Yuu		Yu Takahashi’s gentle ballad, a song that stays close to life
96	Time goes byEvery Little Thing		The eighth classic ballad by ELT, a TV drama theme song.
97	Map of Dreamsyuzu		A song that conveys the importance of continuing to pursue your dreams
98	next toMarushii		A heartwarming song that finds happiness in the everyday moments of love
99	One dayThe ROOTLESS		A masterpiece that moves hearts as an anime theme song
100	BeginningBLUE ENCOUNT		An inspiring youth anthem striving for glory with friends
101	FarewellSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI’s refreshing theme song
102	FriendsRebekka		A poignant coming-of-age song swaying between friendship and love
103	meteor showerOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka’s theme song for TRICK 2
104	Love RadiantMisora Hibari		A signature song by Hibari Misora, a love song
105	The heroine who’s always in tearsbokula.		Bokula.'s songs that weave bittersweet feelings of love
106	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		A legendary song about the courage to face forward while carrying sorrow
107	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		Vaundy’s moving songs that resonate with the heart
108	Galaxy Express 999Godaigo		Song of Courage to Step into the Future, Galaxy Express 999
109	planetariumOtsuka Ai		A heartwarming song that gently sings of lost love
110	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs.'s soul song that affirms your true self
111	Setting SunYorushika		A poignant melody that weaves feelings for a loved one
112	Ice RainKudō Shizuka		A wistful love song depicting a small year-end drama
113	Toward that skyMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A message of hope, a song that resonates in Momoiro Clover Z’s hearts
114	Youth SicknessFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze's Youth Sickness, a soul-stirring masterpiece
115	Dear My FriendEvery Little Thing		“Love Song” is the Grand Prize-winning song.
116	You don’t listen to rock.aimyon		Aimyon’s Koshien Stadium live show becomes legendary
117	MarshmallowOkuda Tamio		A song that counts small happinesses and looks ahead
118	Only by livingKiroro		A warm song filled with love and gratitude for my family
119	You are my treasure.Makihara Noriyuki		Makihara Noriyuki’s moving love songs, timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart
120	Song of Determinationbacho		A rock band singing about the determination to change one's life
121	The Final RiverCHEMISTRY		A classic CHEMISTRY song that depicts love for family
122	You know me.RC sakuseshon		A classic by RC Succession, singing about a source of strength for the heart.
123	I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui		A classic by Yosui Inoue that expresses urban loneliness and romantic feelings
124	NAOHY		The appeal of HY’s heartrending love song “NAO”
125	To the futureKiroro		A heartwarming song filled with feelings for a precious person.
126	SUNHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino's 'SUN,' an encouraging song that lightens the heart
127	DutyHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s “Duty” sings of the end of an era.
128	DIAMONDSPRINCESS PRINCESS		A classic hit from the bubble era, singing about the value of memories.
129	Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya		A song of love that lifts you up with lyrics that touch the heart
130	the best in the worldInoue Sonoko		Inoue Sonoko’s straightforward love song is captivating.
131	The strong and fleeting onesCocco		The moving impact of Cocco’s signature song “Tuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (Fragile Yet Strong)
132	Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800		The Message of Peace and Love Conveyed by the Ryukyu Love Song
133	I’ll surely never forgetZARD		Reiko Shiratori ending theme song, ZARD’s classic that reached No. 1
134	Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena’s “Crime and Punishment,” an emotionally rich masterpiece
135	boyGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE		A superb ballad that comforts my past self
136	A trace of lightKinKi Kids		Maaya Sakamoto’s introspective ballad, a song of hope
137	Joined handsMINAMI		A heartwarming song that sings of the courage to move forward
138	fateTani Yuuki		A life song of facing forward, unbowed by fate
139	bento (boxed lunch)Hanbaato Hanbaato		A heartwarming song that conveys the importance of everyday life
140	Love is litrokudenashi		A ballad whose piano melody heals the heart
141	Sounds of LoveOno Daisuke		A heartwarming ballad by voice actor Daisuke Ono
142	By your sideMirei Touyama		A heartwarming song filled with gratitude for someone special
143	A New StorySuzuki Emiko		A song that depicts a love story hidden in everyday life
144	Until today and from tomorrowyoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s classic song encourages us in life.
145	be aliveKoyanagi Yuki		Yuki Koyanagi’s hit song, a moving work that sings about a long-distance romance
146	PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki		Keep facing forward and keep walking without giving up.
147	Respect the POWER OF LOVEAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s powerful vocals and heartfelt, resonant lyrics
148	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children's 'HANABI' is a song about hope and moving forward.
149	50%Ofisharu Higedan Dism		To those who push themselves too hard: let’s face forward at your own pace.
150	antinomyamazarashi		Explanation of amazarashi “Antinomy”
151	earnest desireSUPER BEAVER		The heartfelt song messages of SUPER BEAVER
152	From inside the windowBUMP OF CHICKEN		A warm, message-driven song that celebrates the bonds between people
153	ALIVESPEED		Number 1 as a movie theme song, a song of youth
154	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Theme song of a morning drama: a farewell song of love and gratitude
155	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A classic hit by Anzen Chitai that portrays mature love
156	BEST FRIENDSMAP		SMAP’s famous songs, the moving hits that stirred emotions
157	DreamerJO1		A cheering anthem by JO1. A ballad that gives courage and hope to those who chase their dreams.
158	usmilet		A woman’s struggle when fake dating becomes real
159	The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s anti-war song is beautiful and resonates with the heart.
160	AhSuperfly		A quiet track that heals a weary heart, a sound source that stirs emotions.
161	You’re Not Alone with MONGOL800SOFFet		A song that sings of gratitude and happiness for a loved one.
162	SparkleRADWIMPS		The moving theme song of 'Your Name.'
163	metropoliskurisutaru kingu		A masterpiece that sings of dreams and the dawn sky
164	signpostFukuyama Masaharu		A gentle song that stays close to the heart, a feeling of gratitude
165	Untitled TodayHirai Dai		A moving song that celebrates the small joys of everyday life
166	Dream FighterPerfume		An anthem that gives you the courage to run toward your dreams
167	Under the sky of love where red berries burstyamazaru		A masterpiece whose mountain monkey love song stirs the heart
168	A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s masterpiece that supports dreams and setbacks
169	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A famous song by Yasushi Akimoto that likens life's journey to a river
170	GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN		A masterpiece that questions the meaning of life and evokes deep empathy
171	Flower of loveaimyon		Aimyon’s morning drama theme song entrusts thoughts to flowers and nature
172	STARikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari, a ballad that sings of a father's love
173	I’m not going to be fooled.riria.		Singing of youthful hope after overcoming a broken heart
174	AlgernonYorushika		A theme song that unearths Yorushika’s emotions
175	He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon		Aimyong’s “Marigold”: profound lyrics and reflections on life
176	It should be a little better when the moon gets closer.ASKA		Live singing resonates in the heart, making one reflect on the preciousness of life.
177	rootKing Gnu		The story of King Gnu’s transparency and deep love
178	Let’s talk.Fujihara Sakura		Sakura Fujiwara, known for her classical guitar
179	I feel like going home.ikimonogakari		A classic that gently sings of longing for one’s hometown
180	tear-coloredNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s heartwarming song that gently sings about the sorrow of parting.
181	forever; for good; indefinitelyBEGIN		A timeless song that sings about a future built with someone you cherish.
182	Children of the SunBEGIN		Memories of Boyhood and a Wish for Peace
183	Beautiful in the past, beautiful nowBEGIN		I feel nostalgia and peace from BEGIN’s island song
184	Song of the SeaBEGIN		A lyrical ballad by BEGIN, singing of longing for their hometown
185	OathBEGIN		An anthem of encouragement for the courage to keep moving forward without giving up
186	to go see (someone) / to go meetaimyon		Aimyong’s warm songs that resonate with the heart
187	happiness!!!Kimura Kaera		A soothing song that sings about the importance of finding happiness
188	deep-sea fish10-FEET		The birth of a moving masterpiece song from the Slam Dunk movie
189	The Little Bird That Forgot How to FlyMISIA		The figure of a wounded bird, inner weakness
190	Et ceteraŌhashi Torio		A heartfelt song that depicts Ohashi Trio’s delicate everyday life
191	Life is short, maidens, fall in love.kuriipuhaipe		A poignant longing of a woman living in the night world
192	BrainwashingRADWIMPS		A cry from young people seeking to live in their own way
193	forget-me-notNOKKO		Nokko’s ethereal song “Forget-me-not”
194	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		A heartwarming song that embraces loneliness and inner conflict
195	NonfictionHirai Ken		A moving ballad born from a friend's death
196	zebraOchiai Wataru		A song with a strong will to keep moving forward
197	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s love theme song, a masterpiece that heals the heart
198	Midnight+alpha/arufakyun.		A soothing song that sings of the heartache of the night
199	mysteryHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino's deeply moving song of profound love
200	An accidental answerSakurazaka46		An emotion-stirring masterpiece by Karin Fujiyoshi, 'BAN'
201	everlasting lampPEOPLE 1		A song that depicts the feelings of a young person living by relying on a small light
202	guidelinesUru		Uru's 'Kokoroe' is the theme song for a drama
203	BELOVEDGLAY		GLAY’s “BELOVED” is a moving love song.
204	Family LandscapeHanaregumi		Hanaregumi sings about everyday scenes.
205	Say “love.”Sogabe Keiichi		I was moved by Keiichi Sokabe’s “Say It’s Love” on stage.
206	YaeNisshoku Natsuko		The sentimental spring song “Yae,” delicate in its beauty