[Songs with Great Lyrics] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words that resonate with your heart

Before the departureWANIMA

WANIMA 'Before the Departure' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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!

Outside the dreamHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Into the Outside of the Dream (Official Video)

When it comes to artists who truly represent Japan both in name and reality—as a singer and an actor—Gen Hoshino comes to mind.

As a singer, his repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from pop and up-tempo tracks to tender songs featuring only acoustic guitar, and even pieces full of humor.

“Yume no Soto e” is a pop song with a bright, memorable rhythm.

It’s a track that resonates with a passionate desire to always stay close to a loved one, in a world just for the two of you.

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

This is a gem of a love song that Fujii Kaze wrote in March 2024 as the theme for the film “April, Come She Will,” starring Takeru Satoh, which contrasts life’s transience with pure love.

The gentle piano melody is striking, and the song tenderly conveys how the heart becomes fulfilled by letting go of attachment.

In the music video directed by Tomokazu Yamada, Fujii Kaze himself plays a dual role as both an elderly man and a young man, depicting deep love for a mother.

Accompanying life’s precious moments and soothing the soul, this work resonates deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting, or who are struggling with important relationships.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you wish to reflect on yourself while surrendering to the sound of the piano.

CLOUDY HEARTBOØWY

Cloudy Heart (Single Version)

BOØWY’s “CLOUDY HEART,” which sublimates the ache of heartbreak, is an immortal masterpiece that deeply moves many listeners.

The guitar’s melody, with its rise-and-fall phrasing, heightens the song’s overall emotion.

Kyosuke Himuro’s lyrics are imbued with his keen sensitivity and insight, possessing the power to awaken listeners’ own memories of heartbreak.

Played with a faintly wistful expression, the track is something that will accompany anyone who has experienced a broken heart.

This classic, which feels as if it speaks directly to your soul, has a melody and lyrics that linger in your mind long after you hear it.

BremenYorushika

Yorushika – Bremen (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A heartwarming story, inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ “Town Musicians of Bremen,” woven with a light rhythm and bright melody.

Delivered by Yorushika, this work gently speaks to the joy of surrendering yourself to music, free from logic and convention.

Like the story’s protagonists, it teaches us that even if we never arrive at our destination, the journey we share is where meaning truly lies—a gem of a song.

Released digitally in July 2022, it also sparked buzz with its animation-style music video, featuring a strikingly original direction that shows only the feet of eight different characters.

It’s a recommended track for times when your heart feels tired, when you’re unsure about life, or when you want to look ahead and walk forward together with someone.

someoneikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Someone” (Theme song for ‘A Song of Hope Woven by Newspapers’) | Original Movie

This is a song by Ikimono-gakari released in October 2023 as the theme song for a newspaper advertising campaign.

It’s a pop track that conveys warmth and strength, carrying a message of hope and empathy.

The lyrics, which portray people striving to overcome loneliness and sorrow, resonate deeply.

An original short film depicting everyday scenes was also produced, featuring comedian Hiroshi Tamura of Kirin and actress Kokona Sumi.

The song is included on the album “Maru (〇),” released in December 2023.

It envelops you with a gentle kindness that stays close to your pain and quietly gives you a push forward.

Song of FlowersAimer

Aimer “Hana no Uta” (Starring: Minami Hamabe / Theme song for the theatrical film Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel] I. presage flower)

Hana no Uta, included on the single ONE / Hana no Uta / Rokutousei no Yoru Magic Blue ver.

released on October 11, 2017, was produced as the theme song for the theatrical anime film Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel] I.

presage flower.

The song is characterized by an emotionally rich message that blends love and anguish, wistfully recalling days of past happiness.

It portrays a bittersweet longing for a loved one and a strong resolve to protect them.

Aimer’s powerful vocals and the melody are deeply intertwined with the film’s worldview, making it a track that continues to move many listeners.

It prompts us to reconsider what love is and what we ourselves should cherish.