[2026] A roundup of stylish J-POP love songs

Just Say YesJO1

JO1 | ‘Just Say Yes’ Track Video

It’s a love song included on their 10th single, “Handz In My Pocket,” released in October 2025.

It portrays the wavering emotions of modern love as they play out through messaging apps and social media.

Many listeners will likely relate to the protagonist, who keeps a close eye on read receipts and the subtle changes in the other person’s behavior, not wanting to miss a thing.

The warm sound layered with the members’ gentle vocals is so soothing, too.

Give it a listen when you want to savor that fluffy feeling unique to the start of a romance.

HAZEKroi

#Kroi – HAZE [Official Video] #Kowloon Generic Romance

This song carries a languid, somehow nostalgic atmosphere.

It’s a track by the band Kroi, released in August 2025, and it was chosen as the theme song for the live-action film “Kowloon Generic Romance.” The work portrays a love story that wanders the borderland between reality and dreams, as someone thinks of a precious person within a haze of memories.

The frustration of an elusive relationship, and the aching feeling of not wanting to let go, seep into the heart through the languid vocals and nostalgic sound.

Put it on during a night when you want to indulge in a sentimental mood.

for a very, very long timeFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE

[Art Track] Zutto Zutto / FANTASTICS

The single “Zutto Zutto,” released in December 2025, is a love ballad written for the film Romantic Killer.

Its medium-slow tempo sound, woven from piano arpeggios and delicate strings, is layered with twin vocals by Yusei Yagi and Sota Nakajima, vividly expressing a heartrending longing.

The lyrics carefully depict the frustration of being unable to confess one’s feelings and the inner struggle of being unable to take that final step, evoking the bittersweetness of unrequited love.

It’s a pure love song that gently seeps into the heart.

Only YouMAZZEL

MAZZEL / Only You -Music Video-

It’s a track that weaves a bittersweet yet profound love story about holding onto feelings for just one person, even through the time you can’t meet.

It’s MAZZEL’s 4th single, released on CD on November 26, 2025.

The song was selected as the ending theme for the NTV drama “Therapy Game.” Written and composed by SKY-HI, it’s a delicate and beautiful medium-tempo ballad.

Even while carrying anxiety, the single-hearted vow of “only you” really sinks into your heart.

It quietly stays by your side when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.

A Lump of LoveDOMOTO

DOMOTO - “A Lump of Love - Promotion Movie -”

After changing their name, the duo DOMOTO took a fresh step forward in 2025.

Their first release after restarting, “Ai no Katamari,” was originally included on a single released in November 2001 and is known as the song from Morinaga’s DARS chocolate commercial.

With lyrics by Tsuyoshi Domoto and composition by Koichi Domoto, the piece is a love ballad that delicately portrays a wavering heart in the winter cold, and it has long been cherished by fans.

In this self-cover, new messages have been added to parts of the lyrics, conveying both the duo’s bond and their evolution.

It’s a heartwarming track, perfect for listening to while gazing at winter illuminations.

True LoveINI

True Love

It’s a refreshing pop-rock tune that straightforwardly captures the flutter of falling into true love and the exhilarating rush of youth—just listening to it makes your heart leap.

Included on the winter single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Romantic Killer,” starring Masaya Kimura alongside Moeka Kamishiraishi and others.

Brimming with such positive energy that you’ll forget the winter chill, it’s the perfect track to play when you want to lift your spirits.

Just A Lil Bit Feat. Sik-KJP THE WAVY

JP THE WAVY – Just A Lil Bit Feat. Sik-K(Official Music Video)

Released in January 2019, this mellow Japan–Korea collaboration features the popular Korean rapper Sik-K.

It portrays the aching feelings of wavering between lingering attachment to an ex and the reality that there’s no going back, interweaving Japanese and Korean lyrics.

JP THE WAVY’s melodious flow that shifts between singing and rapping intertwines perfectly with Sik-K’s singing-rap, creating a smooth, pleasing groove.

The track was also included on the April 2020 album “LIFE IS WAVY,” and later served as a springboard to their 2023 follow-up collaboration, “I.Y.A feat.

Sik-K.” Recommended for anyone who wants to feel the universality of love that transcends language and borders, and for fans of mellow hip-hop.