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

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?

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Hane Keisuke

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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.

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Hane Keisuke

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fragileEvery Little Thing

「fragile」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

Widely beloved as the theme song for the romance observation show “Ainori,” this renowned ballad remains deeply etched in many people’s memories.

The lyrics woven by Kaori Mochida delicately portray the fragility of human relationships—not limited to romance—and the clumsy hearts that struggle to be honest.

Those earnest feelings resonate in the heart, carried by a gentle yet powerful melody.

Released in January 2001, this work is also a landmark piece as Every Little Thing’s first Oricon No.

1 after becoming a duo.

Included on the classic album “4 FORCE,” it has been cherished for many years.

It’s a number that offers a warm, quiet companionship on nights when you’re troubled by a relationship with someone important or when you want to face your own vulnerabilities.

love letterEvery Little Thing

"Love Letter" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

A sublime ballad you’ll find yourself wanting to hear when winter’s chill sinks into your bones.

It opens with a tranquil piano tone, gradually layered with strings, as if pent-up feelings were beginning to overflow.

Kaori Mochida’s delicate breath work gently conveys the subtle shades of emotions that words can’t capture.

Released by Every Little Thing in December 2004, the song became widely beloved as the theme for the film “A Love Letter from Heaven” and as a cough drop commercial tune.

It topped the Oricon weekly chart and was performed on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

Perfect for times when you want to reaffirm how much someone means to you, or when you’re in the mood for a heartwarming moment.

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

The trend of popular artists performing theme songs for anime is becoming a standard, isn’t it? This song was written and composed by Huwie Ishizaki for the theme of the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.” Rather than youthful romance, Masaki Suda delivers a gentle, heartfelt performance about family love and the bond between parent and child—universal feelings that everyone is bound to experience someday.

The lyrics, crafted to follow the film’s story centered on Nobita’s future wedding, are irresistibly good.

No matter how many times I reread them, I’m moved to tears.

I tried falling in love with you.chay

chay "I Tried Falling in Love with You" (short ver.)

The sixth single released in February 2015 by chay, who is active as both a model and a singer-songwriter, became popular as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Date—What Is Love Like?” starring Anne.

The song is packed with the pure feelings of a protagonist who’s clumsy in love.

Its retro, pop sound reminiscent of the ’60s, complemented by lush strings, perfectly captures the giddy excitement of the moment a romance begins.

The lyrics portray that magical, empowering feeling that makes you think you can do anything just because there’s someone you like—something many listeners can relate to.

It’s a bright, pop number you’ll want to play to lift your spirits, like right before meeting someone special.