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[Sleep] A Collection of Recommended Japanese Songs for Bedtime [Relaxing]

Many of you probably like that drowsy feeling right before you fall asleep.

It’s the ultimate relaxation time, isn’t it? This time, I’d like to introduce lots of sleep-inducing music that will hopefully guide us into that supreme moment.

Close your eyes, focus only on the sounds entering your ears, and before you know it, you’ll drift into the world of dreams… If you struggle with sleeplessness, please use this as a reference.

It’s a playlist with plenty of quiet tracks and ballads.

Immerse yourself in these soothing masterpieces.

[Sleep] Recommended Japanese songs for falling asleep [Relax] (61–70)

trumpet vineAndō Yūko

Yuko Ando / Chinese Trumpet Creeper (Reprise)
trumpet vineAndō Yūko

A song I’d like you to listen to on those nights when your heart feels unsettled and you can’t sleep is “Nōzen Katsura.” It’s included on singer-songwriter Yuko Ando’s 2006 album Merry Andrew; she’s also an actress who has appeared in many films and TV dramas.

The track features a simple sound built around beautiful piano tones and vocals.

Her clear, translucent voice will soothe your heart.

The lyrics are filled with gentle words inspired by the motif of “flowers.” Be sure to add this perfect sleep-time track to your playlist.

Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Before Our Feelings Overlap…” MUSIC VIDEO
Before our feelings overlap...Hirai Ken

This is a gentle ballad by Ken Hirai, featuring a tender, conversational singing style that leaves a strong impression.

It was produced as the theme for Toyota’s “Corolla Fielder” commercial and was also used as the main theme for the drama “Tsumiki Kuzushi Shinsō: Ano Kazoku Sono Ato no Higeki” (The True Story of Tsumiki Kuzushi: The Tragedy That Befell the Family Thereafter).

The acoustic sound that soothes the heart and the gradually added strings are moving.

The lyrics, like a letter written by one’s past self to one’s future self, are also appealing, conveying a gentle image of calmly facing oneself.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO
Close your eyesHirai Ken

When it comes to signature songs by Ken Hirai, the singer-songwriter known for his emotional vocals, the standout is his 2004 single “Hitomi wo Tojite.” Written specifically as the theme song for Toho’s film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” this iconic ballad became a massive hit in step with the movie’s popularity.

It topped the Oricon annual singles chart in 2004.

Listening to “Hitomi wo Tojite” and closing your eyes in bed—just like the title suggests—will surely lull you into a deep sleep.

Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio
Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

A massive hit by Hideaki Tokunaga, one of Japan’s leading artists known for his relatable melodies that resonate with listeners and his exceptional high notes.

This timeless classic captures the complex emotions everyone experiences during adolescence, and its slow tempo makes it perfect as background music for sleep.

to exist; to be (used for inanimate things or abstract existence)Hata Motohiro

When it comes to songs that gently keep you company on sleepless nights, “Aru” comes to mind.

The track, which soothes listeners with the warm touch of singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, is included on his 2019 album Copernicus.

Its melody, centered on the sound of acoustic guitar, resonates softly.

The lyrics, which candidly express feelings for someone precious, are heartwarming.

Led by his sweet voice, you’ll find yourself relaxing.

If you’re feeling anxious or restless because you can’t sleep even though you want to, lend an ear to this warm ballad that gently wraps those feelings.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video
KanadeSukima Suichi

A smash-hit ballad by Sukima Switch, an artist celebrated for their beautifully resonant high-tone vocals and known for composing theme songs for hugely popular anime.

The song expresses a heartfelt resolve to protect a loved one, and its slow tempo makes it a great choice as background music for sleep.

Under the same skyayaka

A signature song by Ayaka, an artist whose crystal-clear voice that seems to resonate endlessly and universally acclaimed musical sensibility have kept her beloved across generations.

The lyrics express how simply seeing the smile of someone you love gives you strength, making it perfect as bedtime background music.

In conclusion

Did this make you feel sleepy? On the other hand, if you listened for the first time and thought, “What is this song?” and ended up unable to sleep because it stuck with you—well, that would go against the theme of this article, but I’d still be happy to know I introduced some wonderful music. If you already have songs you use for falling asleep, please let me know through the contact form. I’ll keep this updated as we go!