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