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

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.

For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.

Tightly.mosao.

Tightly. / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A warm, comforting song that depicts the gentle everyday life of lovers.

It portrays the intimate bond between two people in love, such as the change in warmth when holding hands and the happy moments of watching a partner sleep.

Mosawo’s soft vocals further enhance the lyrics that cherish the small joys of daily life.

Released in July 2020, the song resonated with many, reaching No.

1 on the LINE MUSIC weekly ranking.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to treasure time with their partner or look back on memories with someone special.

MAYBETomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – MAYBE (Music Video)

A pop tune woven with a warm tone of voice, tracing feelings from the start of romance to their deepening.

Poured with Ai Tomioka’s own sensibilities, this work was released in November 2024.

It’s packed with her down-to-earth view of love, unique to an artist who rose to prominence through TikTok.

The gentle, resonant melody and delicate lyrics truly seep into the heart.

It skillfully expresses the anxieties and expectations of someone in love, as well as hope for the future, offering comfort to those troubled by romance.

It’s recommended not only for those in the midst of love, but also for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special.

A life-sized love songAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

In the 2000s, the band Aqua Timez took the era by storm, sparked by the release of the album “Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori,” which includes this song.

Vocalist Futoshi’s refreshing voice left a strong impression, didn’t it? This signature track of theirs is captivating for its masculine lyrics, which contrast with his fresh, clear vocals.

Aren’t there many men who, out of shyness, can’t express their feelings with cool, eloquent words? As the lyrics suggest, this song makes you realize it’s enough to convey your feelings in words that are true to yourself.

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first loveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This is Hikaru Utada’s third single, a gem of a ballad in which she sang about first love at the age of 16.

Released in March 1999, it was included on the album First Love.

It vividly portrays lingering feelings for an ex and unforgettable memories of a first love.

Many people were likely struck by the emotional depth that seemed far beyond her 16 years.

It’s a recommended track for anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak or wanting to look back on memories with someone special.

Every listen tightens your chest and leaves you with a bittersweet ache.

Can I try saying “I love you”?Matsushita Kohei

Kohei Matsushita – Is It Okay If I Say I Love You? (Music Video)

This is a warm love song about honestly telling your partner, “I love you.” Crafted by Takahito Uchisawa of androp, the track resonates with Kohei Matsushita’s soulful vocals.

It gently captures those moments when words you’re usually too shy to say suddenly slip out.

Released digitally in October 2024, it’s also perfect as a wedding song.

How about listening to it together with someone special? It will surely deepen your bond.

It’s a song that lets you feel the happiness waiting beyond the conflicts you overcome with your partner, making it a great recommendation for anyone struggling with love.

Is that okay?RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is It Okay? [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song that sings of such straightforward love that it overflows with feelings for someone you adore, to the point of bewilderment.

The track is included on the classic album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.

Its popularity has remained strong; in December 2016, ten years later, the music video was re-shot together with fans.

It conveys sincere affection with a touch of humor.

Many listeners may have found courage in the lyrics, which suggest that repeatedly expressing daily gratitude and apologies deepens a couple’s bond.

Give it a listen when you want to savor the excitement of a budding romance or when you want to reaffirm your honest feelings for someone important to you.