Hidden gems of inspirational songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Close Your Eyes / Ken Hirai (Cover)

The theme song of the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” They say you can tell it’s a good song just by looking at the sheet music, even if you’ve never heard it before, and once you play it, you never forget it.

The straightforward lyrics ride the melody to the point of utter sincerity and are passed down just as they are.

It’s a song that makes you feel that a truly good piece of music is conveyed effortlessly.

bouquetTamaki Kōji

Mika Nakashima “Hanataba” Music Video — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Otona Joshi.”

It’s the theme song of the Fuji TV drama “Otona Joshi,” sung by Mika Nakashima.

Koji Tamaki himself also performs it at concerts, and the opening part is a cappella in a high register, making it difficult to catch the pitch.

The lyrics, which express joy and gratitude for the simple, everyday life we have now, have moved both listeners and performers.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Himawari no Yakusoku – Motohiro Hata (Full)

It’s the theme song of the movie “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” The lyrics are filled with kindness and warmth like sunflowers, and perhaps the relationship between “me” and “you” reflects that of Nobita and Doraemon.

This song broadened its fan base from children to adults.

It’s a warm, heartfelt song.

tomorrowNoda Megumi

Manami Noda – Tomorrow (Official Music Video) [Thursday Theater: Theme Song of “My Treasure”]

Written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Watashi no Takaramono,” Emi Noda’s new track is a moving ballad that delicately portrays the pain and conflicts of life.

Carried by a beautiful piano and violin melody, her clear, translucent voice resonates deeply.

The lyrics capture attachment to unfulfilled dreams, lingering regrets, and the courage to take a step toward tomorrow, harmonizing perfectly with the drama’s worldview.

Released digitally on October 31, 2024, this work marks Noda’s first theme song for a prime-time serial drama.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those standing at a crossroads in life or looking to move forward with their heads held high.

PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY “PIECES OF A DREAM” Official Video

This is the debut single by CHEMISTRY, chosen through an audition held on TV Tokyo’s “ASAYAN.” The promotional video features sign language.

The two vocalists’ distinct voices blend into a pleasant, beautiful harmony.

At the time of their debut, I thought the title “Pieces of a Dream” perfectly suited their clear, translucent voices.

rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel “Niji” -Music Clip-

Niji (Rainbow) is the seventh single, released after their hiatus.

Its wistful vocals and straightforward rock sound gained strong popularity, making it L’Arc-en-Ciel’s first single to surpass 300,000 copies and ultimately sell a total of 723,000.

It’s the song that brought L’Arc-en-Ciel to a wider audience.

The lyrics can be interpreted in various ways.

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “The True Form of Tears” MV (Theme song for NHK Night Drama ‘Vanilla na Mainichi’)

It’s a soul-stirring song that gently embraces the loneliness and struggles everyone carries in their hearts.

It delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of accepting the invisible, deep-seated emotions within us just as they are.

Created by SUPER BEAVER in January 2025, the piece was written as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” further enriching the show’s world.

Airing from the same January, the drama features the track as a key song that closely reflects the protagonist’s feelings, including a scene where a main character sings it.

Whether you’re standing at a crossroads in life, trying to confront yourself, or hoping to understand someone else’s feelings, this is a song that will surely resonate with your heart.