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

heart notesSuzuki Airi

Airi Suzuki “heart notes” (Music Video) Special Theatrical Version - Kaguya-sama: Love Is War –The First Kiss That Never Ends– Ending Theme

A heartrending ballad that captures the irreplaceable beauty of everyday life that seems to last forever.

Performed by Airi Suzuki, who has flourished as a solo artist after her time in Hello! Project, the song was released digitally in December 2022.

It was selected as the ending theme for the special theatrical edition Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-, released on CD in March 2023, and later included on the album 28/29.

The evolving feelings of two people who can’t quite be honest with each other are traced like entries in a notebook, expressed through meg rock’s poetic lyrics and Katsuhiko Sugiyama’s beautiful string arrangement.

A perfect listen for when you want to reevaluate your relationship with someone important.

A New StorySuzuki Emiko

Emiko Suzuki / A New Story Music Video

A pure-love ballad by Emiko Suzuki that delicately portrays the special brilliance hidden in everyday life.

Listening to it makes you realize that the days of laughing and crying on repeat are, in fact, an irreplaceable story.

Released in advance in February 2022 as the lead track from the album “5 senses,” it drew attention for its tie-in with a bridal jewelry brand on TV Asahi’s “Promercial.” It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to if you’re feeling the desire to cherish the time you spend with your partner anew.

365 daysMr.Children

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

An inevitably moving love ballad, “365 Days.” One of Mr.Children’s signature songs, it’s included on the 2010 album “SENSE.” It portrays the inner conflict that a man dating a woman with marriage in mind experiences at least once, as well as an uncontainable love.

The lyrics are like a love letter to a woman—so beautiful—and because they convey a man’s single-hearted devotion, the song has long been popular at weddings.

It’s a track we especially recommend for mature couples to listen to on anniversaries or at milestones in their lives together.

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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.

A bouquet of happinessMarushii

Marcy – Bouquet of Happiness (Official Music Video)

A love song that likens the precious memories shared by two people in love to a colorful bouquet of flowers.

Created by Marcy, a rock band known for relatable, down-to-earth music, it was released in October 2022.

The song carries a message that the ordinary moments of everyday life are, in fact, irreplaceable treasures.

It expresses a warm wish to cherish not only the happiness we receive from our partner but also the joy we give to them, conveyed through vocalist Ukyo Yoshida’s gentle, conversational singing.

The track was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance show “Koi no Dorama na Koi ga Shitai in NEW YORK.” Under the dazzling summer sun, listen to it with your partner, and it will undoubtedly make your time together even more dramatic!

presentMarushii

Marcy – Present (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Marcy that captures a pure, heartfelt love—wanting to express affection honestly, yet hiding behind shyness.

By describing the simple feeling of “I love you” and portraying the other person’s very existence as a “present,” it skillfully conveys tenderness and gratitude.

Released in September 2024, the song sings of the miraculous, fated encounter among eight billion people, while depicting a devoted wish for the other person’s happiness.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to express their feelings of love sincerely or reaffirm their gratitude toward someone special.

Wanting to know you moreYakushimaru Hiroko

Hiroko Yakushimaru - Wanting to Know You More

The song “Anata o Motto Shiritakute” (“I Want to Know More About You”) expresses a woman’s heart in love in a very cute way.

Precisely because it was written before the age of social media and everyone having a smartphone, its lyrics and poignancy achieve something unique.

Also, pay attention to Hiroko Yakushimaru’s beautifully sustained vocals, which are as clear and vibrant as ever.