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

Old-fashionedback number

back number – Old Fashion (full)

When it comes to love songs, you can’t leave out the band back number.

Their song “Old Fashion” was released in 2018 and was also used as the theme song for the drama “A Big Love: With You Who Forget Me.” The heart-wrenching lyrics, which tie in with the drama’s poignant scenes, became a hot topic just like the show itself.

It’s a love song that makes you feel like it’s a just-right relationship, where you fill in each other’s missing pieces.

You can feel the deep gratitude and affection for the other person throughout this track.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

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.

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?

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ayaka / “Hitomi o Tojite” Music Video (Story 3)

Ken Hirai’s signature song “Hitomi wo Tojite” has heartbreakingly poignant lyrics and is a tear-jerking love song.

It’s a classic that was also used as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” Hirai’s lyric-writing sense is remarkable, with a rich expressiveness of language.

The lyrics of this song give you a chest-tightening sense of sorrow.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

Hirai Dai, who is said to be highly respected by younger artists such as YOASOBI and Eito, sings the lifelong love song “Stand by me, Stand by you.” The track portrays everyday moments spent with a loved one—like her responding with a peace sign or giving him playful critiques.

These ordinary scenes hint at a profound depth beneath the surface.

Meeting by a miraculous chance and growing old together in happiness—this depiction adds further richness to the song.

Why not surrender yourself to the pleasant sound that syncs with the heartbeat?

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer [Live ver.]

One of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature songs, this is a standout ballad that really hits home among love songs written from a male perspective.

The lyrics portray a singer as the protagonist—he’s a bit awkward and can’t usually put his love for his girlfriend into words.

But he says that only when he’s singing can he express his true feelings, and he simply says, “I love you.” I’m sure a lot of men can relate to how this singer feels.

A man who can speak up at the crucial moment is really cool, isn’t he?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

It’s one of Superfly’s signature songs—beloved not only as a wedding song but also as a song of gratitude and celebration.

Because it’s such a classic and well-known masterpiece, we might not often pause to reflect on its lyrics.

But when you take a closer look, you realize it’s a beautiful love song that feels cleansing to the soul.

On a special day, pledging “Let’s stay together from here on,” and offering a bouquet… that kind of romantic story is truly moving.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem