[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.
- [Songs with Great Lyrics] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words that resonate with your heart
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
[Hidden Gems] Japanese Masterpieces You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now (71–80)
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.
Fight Songarashi
Despite boasting nationwide popularity, the five-member idol group Arashi announced a hiatus as of 2020, and anticipation for their reunion remains strong.
This song, included on their 18th single “Love so sweet,” was used as the official support song for the variety show “G no Arashi!” Its positive message, carried by a high-energy, fast-paced chorus, offers the kind of power that helps you push through when you feel like you’re about to break.
With its pop arrangement that brightens your mood just by listening, it’s a powerful pop tune.
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.
teddy bearHamasaki Ayumi
It’s a song included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s third album “Duty,” released in 2000.
As an original album, it sold about 2.9 million copies and ranked second on the 2000 year-end chart.
The lyrics are said to have been written with thoughts of the father she parted from in her childhood.
End the worldHarukamirai
It’s a striking love song that poignantly portrays parting from a loved one.
While holding tender feelings, it powerfully conveys the pain of not being able to be together through the energetic sound of punk rock.
Intertwining single-minded devotion with intense emotion, this piece reaches deep into the listener’s heart, singing of a love so strong that one could wish for “the world to end” if it meant being with the other person.
Released as a single in October 2018 by the indie label THE NINTH APOLLO, it was included the following year on the album Eternal Flower.
The song was also added to the setlist for the Heaven and Hell Tour, which began in February 2019, and was performed with heartfelt passion alongside its grand melody.
It’s a wonderful track from Harukamirai for those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, or for anyone who finds it hard to clearly express their feelings to someone important.
MAJICdawgss
If you’re looking for calm, stylish Japanese music, I recommend “MAJIC.” It’s a track by the unit dawgss, composed of bassist-vocalist Sota Morimitsu and drummer Shunsuke Uehara, included on their first album INORI, which was released on CD exclusively at Tower Records in 2023.
You’ll be enchanted by the laid-back band ensemble.
The soothing atmosphere, which even has a touch of healing, feels comfortable, and the lyrics—gently layered over the music—are encouraging.
