[Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

From among the many masterpieces Japan is proud of, we’ve carefully selected songs with outstanding lyrics to introduce to you.

We’ve gathered “once-heard-never-forgotten” message songs that speak straight to the heart, ranging from universally acclaimed classics to the latest hits.

If you’re looking to listen to music that will make you cry, move you, or lift your spirits—or songs that might even influence your life—these picks are perfect.

Please give them a listen.

I believe you’ll find songs that will stay by your side, encourage you, and become a source of emotional support when times are tough.

[Must Read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving tracks you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics (91–100)

OrangeSMAP

Lefty Hand Cream - Full Cover of SMAP 'Orange'

OrangeSMAP

There are so many wonderful memories, and we were certainly in love in those days.

“It should have been going well at first…” We drifted apart and ultimately chose to break up.

This song captures that very moment, and the compassion that undeniably exists even when things aren’t working out really hits home.

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Before the departureWANIMA

WANIMA 'Before the Departure' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Before the departureWANIMA

Among Japanese rock artists popular across a wide age range—from teens to people in their 40s—the three-piece melodic hardcore band WANIMA stands out.

With vocalist KENTA’s piercing high tones and an exhilarating, driving tempo, many of their songs serve as anthems that cheer on people pushing through their everyday lives.

“Tabidachi no Mae ni” is a moving song that carries the message: even when you’re worried or going through tough times, keep going—dig deep and hold firm when it matters most!

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FlowerORANGE RANGE

Flower_orange range

FlowerORANGE RANGE

It’s the theme song of the film “Be With You” and one of ORANGE RANGE’s biggest hits.

While ORANGE RANGE had a strong image of funky and rock tracks, this song opened up a new frontier for them in ballads.

The second verse is poetic and matches the film’s worldview well.

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ButterflyKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Butterfly” [short ver.]

ButterflyKimura Kaera

“Butterfly” is a song by Kaela Kimura that was released digitally in June 2009.

It drew attention after being featured in a commercial for the comprehensive wedding magazine Zexy in April of the same year.

Kimura is said to have written it for her close friend’s wedding, and it remains a popular staple at weddings today.

The lyrics, expressed in gentle language, evoke a sincere desire to celebrate the newlyweds.

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Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Sakura (Solo), a staple as both a cherry blossom song and a graduation song, is a track by Naotaro Moriyama that you hear often when the season comes around.

Released in 2003 as Moriyama’s second single, it’s also one of his signature songs—so much so that it’s no exaggeration to call it a national favorite.

While it certainly works as a graduation song, it also gives the impression of gently turning the twists of human encounters—meetings and farewells—into a song that you can naturally and easily take in.

It’s a classic that will surely continue to be sung for years to come.

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Beyond the Night SkySMAP

SMAP Beyond the Night Sky

Beyond the Night SkySMAP

Released in 1998, it’s one of SMAP’s signature songs.

The lyrics were written by Shikao Suga, who was still unknown at the time.

It became a hot topic because Takuya Kimura played the guitar.

It evokes the image of a city night, with a young man quietly reflecting on his past and present.

It’s a song that gently soothes the loneliness of the night.

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Let’s go home.Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Kaerou (Official Video)

Let's go home.Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze is someone for whom the word “one and only” fits perfectly—in his vocal ability, his lyrics, in everything.

His song Kaerou is included as the closing, final track on his first album, HELP EVER HURT NEVER, released in May 2020.

It’s a song that makes you feel as if you’re gently floating on the wind—somehow tinged with sadness, yet filled with kindness.

Experience that indescribable feeling that lingers after you’ve finished listening.

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