Hidden gems of inspirational songs. Recommended popular tracks.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

Yasushi Nakanishi / Last Rain [Official Music Video]

Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single.

It is his signature song, which enjoyed a long-running hit.

A ballad delivered with a beautiful, high-toned voice, its lyrics poignantly depict passionate love and parting.

Since its release in 1992, it has continued to be sung for many years.

Ray of LightYasuda Rei

Rei Yasuda “Ray of Light” Music Video (Insert Song from “Gekijōban Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni FINAL” [Movie: With You, the World Ends – FINAL])

A song by Rei Yasuda used as an insert track in the film “KIMI TO SEKAI GA OWARU HI NI FINAL.” Its lyrics, which discover light and convey a strong will to keep protecting it no matter what the future holds, are particularly striking.

The song accompanies the post-apocalyptic story, expressing the characters’ powerful emotions.

Rei Yasuda’s clear, transparent vocals further elevate the film’s moving scenes.

Gaining attention alongside the movie’s January 2024 release, the track was also included as the title song of the EP released in February 2024.

It’s a piece that will move listeners—whether they’ve seen the film or not.

Untitled TodayHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Untitled Today (Lyric Video)

A heartwarming message song that gently sings about the precious moments found in everyday life.

Rather than material wealth, it finds value in the ordinary scenes of daily living and conveys the beauty of believing in the future.

HIRAIDAI’s vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Included on the album “Life Goes On,” this track stands out with its gospel-inspired chorus and refreshing melody.

The lyrics, which depict the joy of sharing together and the preciousness of small, everyday happiness, offer a sense of peace, as if wrapped in a gentle light.

When you want to appreciate the beauty of spending simple, unassuming time with someone important, why not give it a listen?

I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.

Created by Mr.Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.

Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.

It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.

Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.

As a personSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “As a Person” LIVE MV

A gem-like ballad that sings of the strength to face forward while confronting human frailty.

As SUPER BEAVER’s first attempt at a ballad, it beautifully blends a grand arrangement featuring strings with Ryota Shibuya’s powerful vocals.

Released in June 2016, it appeared on the album “27.” It was chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Sono ‘Okodawari,’ Watashi ni mo Kureyo!!” aired the same year, and later used in 2021 as the CM song for Asahi Beer’s “Asahi Super Dry.” This song continues to warm the hearts of many, sincerely supporting those who are struggling and lost, yet striving to move forward in life.

Hide-and-seekYuuri

Yuuri “Kakurenbo” Official Music Video

Yuri’s debut work, which likens a heartrending unrequited love to a game of hide-and-seek, is a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays loneliness and the pain of parting.

In a room left behind after his live-in girlfriend has gone, the man’s feelings—surrounded by objects that still evoke her presence—are woven together by a gentle, translucent voice.

Released in December 2019, the piece is a labor of love born from street performances following the breakup of the rock band THE BUGZY.

The warm timbre of the acoustic guitar closely follows the man’s earnest emotions.

It’s a song recommended for those who wish to soothe the pain of heartbreak—perfect for a nighttime drive or for quietly sipping a drink alone at home.

dearestFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.

While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.

The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.

As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.