Hidden gems of Japanese love songs. Recommended popular tracks.

BELOVEDGLAY

GLAY / BELOVED

One of GLAY’s most beloved love songs, which became a major hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama “A Summer Proposal.” From the guitar melody in the intro, it flows into GLAY’s signature warm sound, creating a comfort that makes you want to keep listening forever.

No matter what walls you hit or stumbles you take, as long as the one you love is by your side, you can keep living without losing yourself.

This is a song that lets you convey your greatest love to the one who makes you feel that way.

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SAKI

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I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN

T-BOLAN “I Don't Want to Let Go” Music Video

Be moved by the love sung in the husky voice of T-BOLAN’s vocalist, Arashi Moritomo, in “Hanashitakuwa Nai” (“I Don’t Want to Let You Go”).

Originally included on the album T-BOLAN, the song was also released as a single about a month after the album’s release.

The lyrics in the first verse’s B section differ slightly between the album and single versions.

The song portrays the moment of realizing anew just how deeply one has always loved someone who isn’t right there in front of them.

If there’s someone in your life you feel you “don’t want to let go,” why not listen to this song and take the opportunity to face that person once again?

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SAKI

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greatest common divisorRADWIMPS

Greatest Common Divisor Radwimps original MV

RADWIMPS often has lyrics that startle you or make you think deeply, don’t they? This track is from their classic 2006 release, “RADWIMPS 3: The Album We Forgot to Bring to the Deserted Island.” What’s great about this song is how wonderfully romantic the lyrics are, carried by a positive sound.

So many unexpected turns of phrase—maybe hard to say in everyday life, but it makes you want to spend time together with feelings like these.

The final line leaves you feeling warm.

It’s a gentle love song, like taking each other’s hand and walking together.

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KEI

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sparklersloppy dim

Sparklers / sloppy dim (Official Music Video)

A love song by sloppy dim themed around clumsy love, portraying a fragile relationship through the image of sparklers.

It tenderly weaves, with a melodious flow, the frustration of being unable to express affection well and the heartfelt desire to be accepted nonetheless.

The scene of lighting sparklers on a backstreet at night symbolizes the couple’s fleeting time together, and the emotion of not wanting to let go of the present, even while understanding it’s destined to fade, resonates deeply.

It was included on the EP “BALLOON” released in December 2020, and reached No.

11 on Apple Music’s R&B/Soul chart in February 2021.

Recommended for when you want to soak in the bittersweetness of summer’s end or savor time with someone special.

Bilingual Girlgo!go!vanillas

go!go!vanillas – Bilingual Girl Music Video & Limited First Edition DVD Trailer

A song by go!go!vanillas, known for their poppy, catchy tunes, released in 2015.

Although it’s a heartbreak song written from a woman’s perspective, its brisk melody and positive message make it an uplifting track.

SweetnessMISIA

MISIA – sweetness （Official HD Music Video）

Among the works of the accomplished female singer Misia, this song holds a more classical position.

While many of her other tracks are catchy, this masterpiece radiates a deeper, more authentic soulfulness.

It’s a love song that captures Misia’s distinctive worldview, set against a flowing, elegant track.

Love Day After TomorrowKuraki Mai

Mai Kuraki "Love, Day After Tomorrow"

This is a hidden love song masterpiece by Mai Kuraki, who’s known for rarely appearing on TV.

Her high-toned vocals shine over a classic, no-frills R&B track, and the lyrical words that closely mirror a woman’s feelings in love make it a highly relatable gem.