A famous song about first love. Recommended popular songs.
That bittersweet “first love” that only happens once in a lifetime.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs that capture that very first love.
People often say “first love doesn’t last,” but how was it for you?
Some married their first love, some didn’t see it blossom, and some might be in the midst of their very first love right now, overwhelmed by feelings that only grow stronger.
Pure, straightforward, fleeting… emotions that make you blush to remember now.
But at the time, it was just a desperate, all-consuming first love.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs—from those about being in the throes of first love to those that look back on it nostalgically.
Give them a listen.
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A classic song about first love. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze
Alongside “Suirenka,” one of Shonan no Kaze’s hit songs, “Junrenka” portrays romance from a male perspective.
Released in 2006 as their fifth single, the song calmly and plainly conveys feelings to the other person, as if reading a letter.
It’s popular as a confession song, a way to express gratitude to a girlfriend, and a karaoke favorite.
Its very realistic depiction of love that feels relatable may be a big reason for its lasting popularity.
It’s also cherished as a happy love song.
When a first love comes to an endsupercell feat.Hatsune Miku
There’s also a classic Vocaloid song about first love.
“When the First Love Ends” racked up 100,000 plays in a single day and became a Hall-of-Fame hit.
It’s a coming-of-age pop song themed around winter, and its lyrics are deeply heartrending.
When you think about the story of the song, you’ll feel an ache in your chest from the sadness.
Even those who haven’t listened to much Vocaloid music will likely find it easy to enjoy.
Shapes Of LoveEvery Little Thing
Isn’t Every Little Thing essential when talking about ’90s J-pop? Their song “Shapes of Love,” released in 1997 as their sixth single, earned them their first appearance on that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a positive unrequited-love song that’s super poppy and cute, boldly declaring, “I’ll make him notice me!” Upbeat love songs are exciting, and for those in the middle of romance, this one will feel like a powerful ally.
confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS resumed activities in 2021 as a duo with Funky Kato and Mon-kichi.
Their song “Kokuhaku” (Confession) is the eighth single, released in 2008.
The cover artwork, known for featuring close-up photos of celebrities, uses a photo of actor Eiichiro Funakoshi for this track, and he also appears in the music video.
It’s a love song told from a male perspective, carefully conveying feelings one by one to someone special.
The two members’ own stories feel real here, making it a love song that many listeners will likely relate to.
First loveOku Hanako
Okubukako is known for many love songs that are so heartrending they make listeners cry.
Her song “First Love” is her 10th single, released in 2010.
She knows everything about the guy she loves—except for just one thing, and that one thing is shocking: he no longer loves her.
Still, the song conveys her aching feelings—because she loves him, she says she’ll go back to being just friends, so please stay by my side.
It’s a track filled with tenderness and pain.
romantic feelingsMACO
MACO, who is especially popular among younger generations and women, captivates listeners with the genuine emotions in her songs—particularly about love—earning her many fans among people of the same gender and age group.
Her song “Koigokoro” (Feelings of Love) is her second single, released in 2016.
The sentiment of not asking for much—just wanting to see the smile of the person you love—is something anyone in love, regardless of gender, can relate to.
Listening to this song reminds me how true that is.
It’s also wonderful that it makes you feel grateful for having fallen in love in the first place.
A classic song about first love. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This song was released when she was 16, but with her overwhelming vocal ability, if you didn’t know her age, you’d swear it was the beautiful voice of a fully grown adult.
Naturally, the song achieved double million sales and set the record for the best-selling album in Japan’s history.
The lyrics use words that evoke first love in many places, making it one of Japan’s quintessential first-love songs!