[Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs

First loveHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “First Love” Music Video

A ballad by Motohiro Hata, woven with sincere feelings carried by his clear, translucent voice.

He tenderly portrays memories of a love that ended against the flow of fate, likening them to a blue apple and tangled threads.

Released in January 2013 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Space Brothers” and later included on the album “Signed POP,” this work is a characteristically minor-key song from Hata.

Coupled with Seiji Kameda’s delicate arrangement, it strikingly depicts the pain and regret of a love that reached its farewell while still immature.

Hata’s relatable vocals make it a song that recalls the bitter experiences of a first love.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a soothing song that offers comfort to those who have left their hometowns.

Created by Dai Hirai in February 2015, it begins with memories of a nostalgic tree-lined road and delicately portrays changing emotions alongside the shifting seasons.

The gentle vocals and acoustic tones blend beautifully, letting the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion resonate deeply.

Included on the album “Slow & Easy,” the piece weaves a unique world that fuses surf music with balladry.

It’s a warm, embracing track that speaks to anyone who has experienced departures or farewells, or who carries feelings for someone close to their heart.

ObsessedAyumu Imazu

Ayumu Imazu – Obsessed [Music Video]

This song captures the sweet-and-sour feeling of first love with a pop sound.

The protagonist, who easily falls at first sight, expresses delicate emotions carried by a pleasant groove and a catchy chorus melody.

A chill, casual track and bilingual lyrics perfectly portray Gen Z’s down-to-earth approach to romance.

Released in January 2024, it sparked a wave of dance challenges on social media and topped the Billboard JAPAN chart in Korea, resonating across Asia.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to while strolling through the city under a fresh spring sky—perfect for anyone who wants to be honest about how it feels to be in love.

soundtrackCreepy Nuts × Sugata Masaki

[MV] Creepy Nuts × Masaki Suda – Soundtrack

This moving track exquisitely fuses a soulful, embracing vocal with a groovy beat.

It stands out for its powerful message that stays close to everyday life and affirms the importance of living strongly.

The song declares that even a life without a dazzling storyline has true meaning, and that each of us has a path where we can shine.

Released in July 2020, it was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV information program “Sukkiri.” It is included on the album “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses” and has garnered strong support from many fans.

This work gently stays by the side of those who struggle with their way of life or values, and those who find self-expression difficult.

bumpyFurui Riho

bumpy

It’s a heartwarming love song set to a gentle lo-fi beat.

Released in June 2021, this gem of a ballad expresses earnest feelings while likening the relationship of two people who respect each other’s individuality to puzzle pieces fitting together.

Furui Riho’s soft yet strong vocals wrap you in kindness, giving the piece a warm, comforting feel.

Included on the album “Green Light,” it won the Hokkaido Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards 2023.

In 2023, she also provided “Friends” as the theme song for the Hokkaido TV drama Bento-ya-san no Omotenashi (The Bento Shop’s Hospitality).

It’s a perfect track for anyone who admires a relationship where both people acknowledge their differences and are inspired to grow through each other’s presence.

reverse dreamKing Gnu

King Gnu – Sakayume

A beautiful ballad that begins with a dreamy piano melody and unfolds into a grand string arrangement.

Its lyrics, interweaving love and curses, hope and despair, delicately portray the sorrow of losing someone precious and the deep reverence for the bond shared with them.

While tinged with melancholy, the warm vocals resonate deeply, making it a gem of a song.

Released by King Gnu in December 2021, it was used as the ending theme for the anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

It topped Billboard JAPAN’s Download Songs chart for three consecutive weeks and won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Brimming with feelings for a cherished person, this piece gently accompanies those who have experienced heartbreak or farewell, and is a song best heard on a quiet night.

LOOPSIRUP

SIRUP – LOOP (Official Music Video)

An emotional R&B tune that resonates with bittersweet memories of love.

Portraying happy, everyday moments with a lover—like café dates and casual conversations during a drive—the song is, in fact, a poignant love ballad that looks back on a lost romance.

SIRUP’s gentle, velvety vocals blend perfectly with the sophisticated sound production.

Released in August 2018 as part of the album “SIRUP EP2,” the track garnered a huge response, with its music video surpassing 10 million views.

Evoking real-life everyday scenes, it captivates with a comfortable groove that fuses R&B, soul, and hip-hop.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in memories with someone special, or when you’re feeling the ache of love.