[Hidden Gem] Japanese Songs You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now
Beyond the trendy songs you often hear on TV or around town, and the tracks tied in with dramas or anime that everyone knows, there are also hidden gems—songs from before an artist got big or tracks without any tie-ins.
This time, we’ll introduce those hidden masterpieces that are especially popular among the artists’ fans.
Many of these songs don’t get much TV exposure, but they’re well-known among fans—once you listen, you’re sure to get hooked! If you haven’t been exploring or adding new music lately and want something fresh to listen to, this is for you.
I hope you find a new favorite track!
- A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.
- Memorable masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A catchy tune that sounds familiar
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Hidden gems of love songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
- Hidden gems among tear-jerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Hidden gems of inspirational songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Hidden gems of healing songs. Recommended popular tracks
- [Cheer Song] A hidden gem that stirs the soul. A rallying anthem known to those in the know.
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
[Hidden Gems] Japanese Songs So Good You’ll Want to Share Them Right Away (61–70)
FOR HiMBiSH
BiSH, a group that gained popularity as a new kind of music act beyond the boundaries of idols or artists.
The song “FOR HiM,” included on their 2017 album THE GUERRiLLA BiSH, showcases their ability to deliver a wide range of styles from rock to ballads.
Accompanied by an aggressive band performance driven by a passionate guitar riff, the song expresses love for someone important to whom those feelings couldn’t be fully conveyed.
It’s a rock number that, through their emotional vocals, faces the bittersweet feelings that arise when looking back on the past.
belovedRyokushokushakai
An overwhelming love song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that combines crystalline tenderness with strength.
Released in August 2019 as the theme song for the film “Love at Least Once” (Hatsukoi Loss Time), this track portrays gratitude and love for someone precious.
Haruko Nagaya’s soaring vocals gently embrace the meaning of protecting someone to the very end, and the scenery born from that resolve.
Issei Kobayashi’s delicate guitar work also resonates deeply.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important or express your gratitude to them.
It will surely stay close to your heart.
A Chronicle of Struggles with SortingBUMP OF CHICKEN
This song is a track included on the 2010 album COSMONAUT.
If you’re not the kind of BUMP fan who listens through entire albums, you might not be too familiar with it, but it’s a gem that really conveys Motoo Fujiwara’s distinctive touch! In the lyrics, a once-cherished dream is compared to trash, and the song depicts facing that dream again.
A dream that felt big to you might be ridiculed by others, and if you keep chasing it, people around you may say all sorts of things.
However, listening to this song will surely make you reaffirm: no matter what others say, keep chasing your own dream forever!
Crazy CrazyHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino’s classic song continues to be celebrated among fans.
Released in June 2014 as a track from his seventh single, it’s a work that pays homage to the Crazy Cats.
With its catchy pop melody and profound lyrics, it explores philosophical questions about life and celebrates living freely.
As his first release after recovering from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the song became a symbol of Hoshino’s powerful comeback.
The music video also drew attention and was nominated at the 2015 Space Shower Music Awards.
It’s a recommended track when you want to feel positive or reconnect with your authentic self.
Rough MakerBUMP OF CHICKEN
Among BUMP OF CHICKEN fans, the hidden gem “Rough Maker” is an absolute must.
Although it was released in 2000 as the B-side to the single “Diamond,” it remains a song with enduring popularity among fans.
Its appeal lies in the story-like lyrics so characteristic of BUMP OF CHICKEN, blending their early raw sound with the fantastical world crafted by Motoo Fujiwara’s songwriting—an irresistibly cool number.
Meguro Rivermiwa
With its warm acoustic sound and soothing rhythm, miwa’s “Meguro-gawa” brings a sense of calm each time I listen.
The lyrics depict the protagonist walking along the Meguro River, painting a scene that vividly comes to mind.
The words that evoke the changing seasons are striking, and many people may find themselves wanting to listen to this song with the arrival of spring.
It conveys a heartfelt message filled with thoughts for someone important far away.
The realistic lyrics, combined with miwa’s clear, translucent voice, express the desire to bridge the distance to the one you care about.
It’s a song you’ll want to play over and over, overlaying it with your feelings for that person far away.
When the sadness has driedTHE NOVEMBERS
Known by the nickname “Nobenba,” THE NOVEMBERS are a four-piece alternative rock band.
Their track “Kanashimi ga Kawaitara” is a very pleasant song where sweet vocals, airy guitars, a throbbing bass, and tight drums come together beautifully.
In particular, vocalist-guitarist Yusuke Kobayashi’s falsetto-heavy singing style is reminiscent of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s vocalist, hyde.
If you like their music, you might enjoy this work from THE NOVEMBERS as well!
