Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
Love songs have always enjoyed immense popularity in the J-POP scene, no matter the era.
From bands and singer-songwriters to idol groups, they’ve been sung by a wide variety of artists since long ago.
Even in today’s world—often said to be experiencing a growing disinterest in romance—love songs continue to resonate with many listeners.
So this time, we’re introducing love songs performed by male artists that we especially recommend to Gen Z, who are living in this very modern age.
From hit tracks to hidden gems, we’ve compiled a wide-ranging list, so be sure to find the songs that suit you!
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- Recommended love songs for men in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended love songs for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks.
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended! Love songs by male artists — popular romantic songs
- Recommended love songs for men: A collection of classic hits that sing about men's love
- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 20s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z (61–70)
180°yamazaru
A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.
Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.
Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.
The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.
It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.
Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai
A gem of a love song by Dai Hirai that paints uncontrollable infatuation and aching longing with a sound that skillfully weaves in elements of country music.
It sings of a man’s pure feelings for a free-spirited, cowgirl-like woman, set to a refreshing beach sound.
Released in April 2025, the piece conveys the bittersweetness of love through a gentle narrative tone and a pleasant melodic line.
Created as the first installment of a series leading up to “HIRAIDAI presents THE BEACH TRIP 2025,” which kicks off in May, it’s a perfect fit for open-air moments like seaside drives or BBQs under clear blue skies.
A soul-stirring ballad that deeply resonates with those nursing heartbreak or struggling with single-minded love.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.
Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.
While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.
Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.
Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.
First loveHata Motohiro
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.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.
It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.
Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.
It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.
Because of youShimizu Shota
A moving medium-tempo ballad that portrays the bond of two people in love and a relationship that deepens even as they hurt each other.
The gently embracing, soulful vocals and lyrics that straightforwardly sing of unwavering love despite physical distance are sure to resonate with couples in long-distance relationships.
Written, composed, and arranged by Shota Shimizu, this track is included on the album “FLY,” released in June 2017.
Featuring a warm arrangement centered on piano and strings, it’s a song you’ll want to play on special anniversaries.
Perfect as background music for a couple’s drive, and also recommended for conveying your feelings to a long-distance partner.