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

Super Ball of Loveaiko

aiko - “Koi no Superball” music video

This is a feel-good number by singer-songwriter aiko, set to disco sounds that capture the thrill of a summer-tinged romance beginning.

Released in May 2011, the song brilliantly uses the metaphor of a superball to describe a love that could bounce off in any direction.

The way it conveys overflowing feelings for someone special—almost giddy from the summer heat—is something anyone in love can deeply relate to.

It was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial, and its refreshing, effervescent vibe captured many hearts.

A sparkling, danceable track that brings back the excitement of falling in love.

A devoted girl.Yuika

A single-minded girl. / 'Yuika' [MV]

This piece sets straightforward feelings of love to a bright band sound.

Released in April 2025 with Ryo Hanai handling the arrangement, it vividly captures a fresh page of youth.

Written back in high school, it carefully and realistically weaves words of inner conflict over unrequited love and unwavering devotion.

There’s plenty here that younger listeners will relate to.

If you’re in the middle of a one-sided crush, give it a listen!

Romance and LoveSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J Soul Brothers from Exile Tribe / Koi to Ai

If you’re looking to listen to an achingly sad love song, I recommend “Koi to Ai” (“Love and Affection”).

The theme of the song is “the saddest way a romance can end in one’s life,” and the lyrics overflow with that poignant feeling.

You can also sense the beauty in the harmony between the lead vocals and the chorus.

Be sure to pay attention to the astonishingly high quality of the backing track as well.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Among Masaharu Fukuyama’s many love songs, I suspect that, regardless of gender, many people feel this track has the highest “synchronization rate,” in the sense that it makes them overlap the scenes and season—and who they were back then—with the song.

Spring, the season of partings and new encounters, and cherry blossoms—the very symbol of spring—are truly special flowers for the Japanese.

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

This is an immortal masterpiece included on the first album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986.

Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs.

It portrays a poignant relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other yet can never be together, rendered through a one-of-a-kind, soulful voice.

The more one wishes to forget, the stronger the feelings grow—the searing emotion tightens the listener’s chest.

On a night when your heart is troubled by an unrequited love, why not listen quietly on your own?

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.