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!
- A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks
- Hidden gems among tear-jerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Cheer Song] A hidden gem that stirs the soul. A rallying anthem known to those in the know.
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- Hidden gems of Japanese love songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Hidden gems of healing songs. Recommended popular tracks
- A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
- Hidden gems of friendship songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A deeply moving song that resonates with the heart. A stylish collection of Japanese music.
Hidden gems of moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Even if I’m not thereHirai Dai
This is a grand love song from Dai Hirai, known for his soothing, beach-evoking music, dedicated to a family of the future.
Released in January 2022, it was also included on the album HOPE / WISH.
Its warm yet bittersweet message—wishing happiness for a loved one even if you’re no longer by their side—strikes a deep chord.
The beautiful blend of piano and strings is also healing.
The flipbook-style music video, created by comedian Tekken with around 1,200 original drawings, moved many viewers.
It’s a song that makes gratitude overflow for the loved ones by your side right now.
Be sure to listen for his gentle vocals, which quietly resonate in the heart.
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.
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.