[Love Songs] Must-Relate! A Selection of Japanese Love Songs with Great Lyrics

To youEXILE

EXILE / To You (Short Ver.)

Even as I wait for the next season to come around, I can feel the magnitude of what I’ve lost.

I wish I could convey that to you—those feelings are woven into the lyrics of this very heartrending song.

It’s also a mature track from EXILE, one you’ll want to listen to quietly and deeply.

I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

This song caught fire on social media thanks to its choreography videos.

It’s performed by the singer-songwriter Yumcha, known for tracks like “More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers,” and was released in November 2024.

The theme is a bold, positive one-sided love, where the protagonist works on self-improvement to captivate the person they like.

Many listeners will likely relate to the confident yet trial-and-error journey of trying to get noticed.

Somehow, as you listen, you start to feel motivated to do your best too.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to take that extra step in love or learn to love yourself.

Give it a listen as your own personal anthem.

nocturnalAnonymouz

Anonymouz – Nocturnal

A song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of love that overflow in the sleepless hours of the night.

Chosen as the opening theme for the BL drama “Jack Frost,” which aired in the MBS Drama Shower slot, this track is included on Anonymouz’s first full-length album, “11:11,” released in February 2023.

Its house-tinged track features a comfortably steady four-on-the-floor beat, with a sound that carries a hint of city pop.

The lyrics, which delicately capture the frustration of nights when thinking about the one you love only keeps you more awake, resonate deeply.

It’s a number we especially recommend to anyone struggling with a love they can’t quite be honest about.

Dream of the Trifoliate OrangeŌhashi Torio

Ohashi Trio / Karatachi no Yume (Music Video)

A number by Ohashi Trio that drew attention as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series What Did You Eat Yesterday? Season 2.

Released as an EP in November 2023, this song features a light acoustic sound and a warm, country-tinged feel that resonates pleasantly.

The drama carefully portrays the everyday life of a same-sex couple, and this track, aligning with that worldview, sings about the irreplaceable value of living fully in the present moment.

When you find yourself cherishing ordinary time with someone dear, or wanting to feel grateful for daily life, give it a listen.

captiveMy Hair is Bad

Toriko

This song, which rides a fast-paced rock sound to sing about an intense one-sided love that longs to be someone’s “last,” is a fan favorite.

In just over two minutes, it crams in both an extreme devotion—“I’d do anything for you”—and playful fantasies of becoming famous.

Included on the album “boys,” released in June 2019, it gained popularity not through a tie-in but via videos posted on social media.

The rapid-fire verses switch to an explosively open chorus that feels exhilarating—just listening is sure to lift your spirits! It’s the perfect track for blowing away the haze of unrequited love or soaking in that sense of unity at a live show.

Love wordsTani Yuuki

Aikotoba – Tani Yuuki [MV]

A love song that captures the frustrating feeling of not being able to tell someone special how you feel face to face.

It’s a track by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki, released digitally in December 2021 and later included on the acclaimed album “Memories.” Written during his high school days, the song’s lyrics are striking for how they try to express the deepest affection without using the word “love,” out of shyness.

That clumsy yet sincere sentiment has resonated with many.

When words fall short and you can’t convey your feelings, why not give it a listen?

Your favorite songUVERworld

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

Have you ever had that bittersweet experience of growing to love the songs your crush listens to all the time? This love ballad portrays a heart that had shut itself off—swearing off love—slowly warming again thanks to a special encounter.

Created by UVERworld, a rock band from Shiga Prefecture, this single was released in November 2006 and drew attention as the theme song for the TBS romance variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” Its gentle, string-infused sound contrasts with the band’s intense rock image and truly resonates with the heart.

If you need a little courage to confess your feelings, why not give it a listen?