Hidden gems of inspirational songs. Recommended popular tracks.
There are countless great songs in the Japanese music scene, and among them, there are quite a few truly amazing tracks that move you the moment you hear them! We’ve put together a collection of emotional Japanese songs that we’d love for everyone to experience.
Play them when you want to lift your spirits or during special gatherings to enjoy that wonderful sense of unity!
Hidden gems of moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
It is the theme song of the Fuji TV drama “Love Story wa Totsuzen ni.” The song brings back scenes from the drama, which became a boom at the time.
It is his sixth single as a solo artist.
During the Off Course era, TV appearances were rare, but thanks to this song’s success, he performed live on music programs.
In Crayon Shin-chan, this song played at Hiroshi and Misae Nohara’s wedding.
Convey it with nuance feat. Ai HiguchiGOOD BYE APRIL
A track where warm nostalgia and a refined modern sound blend beautifully.
You’ll be drawn into the world created by GOOD BYE APRIL’s gorgeous melodies and Ai Higuchi’s clear, translucent vocals.
Centered on the theme of “being yourself,” the lyrics convey the importance of living with honesty.
Released as a single in May 2024, this song signals a new challenge for the band.
It’s perfect for heartwarming moments—like an early-summer drive or when you need a relaxing break after a long day.
strawberryyuzu
A bright pop number by a well-synced duo.
The lyrics are sprinkled with suggestive lines that make your heart skip a beat, drawing a lot of attention.
The jacket’s back-shot of the older-sister figure turning around was shocking.
It was a strictly limited edition release, including a colored case and a strawberry sticker, and Strawberry TV had an 18+ viewing restriction.
Surely just for tonightStardust Revue
Among Stardust Revue’s many classic songs, this is one I want to listen to at Christmas.
No matter how many times I hear it, it’s a warm, bittersweet, gentle, and wonderful song.
I’ve been wanting to hear it live, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Stardust Revue’s harmonies are highly praised as being great live as well.
I’d love to hear them at a concert.
A flower that blooms only hereKobukuro
The word “sekibaku” appears in this song, and since I didn’t know what it meant, I looked it up and found that it describes a quiet, lonely feeling.
When I listen to Kobukuro’s songs, I think I’ll listen while looking over the lyrics again.
They’re a musical duo who turn beautiful Japanese words into song.
One of their charms is that their many masterpieces can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki
HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA’s 10th single.
The B-side is “Michishirube” (Guidepost).
It was the theme song for the TBS drama “Tokai no Mori” (Urban Forest).
Tokunaga himself also appears in the drama as a bartender.
It is included on the album “JUSTICE.” It has been covered by artists such as Ryuichi Kawamura and Yuya Matsushita.
The beautiful melody and his husky, sweet voice are soothing.
Sakura (Chorus)Moriyama Naotaro
It has now become a standard song for graduation ceremonies.
Sung through the theme of cherry blossoms, this piece isn’t flashy, but its lyrics, which honestly express one’s feelings, and its beautiful, carefully crafted melody mean it’s not just a fad; it will remain a song loved for a long time.
I’m sure it will be one of the cherry blossom songs that continues to be sung for generations.