[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 Masterpieces You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now (71–80)
When I think of youTOKIO
TOKIO’s 15th single, “Kimi o Omou Toki / Oh! Heaven,” was released in 1999 as a double A-side.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV series “Danjo 8-nin Renai Tour! TOKIO no Na-Ri-Yu-Ki!!.” With lyrics that sing of straightforward love, the song captures the hearts of women.
shed skinaiko
It’s a heartbreak song told from a woman’s point of view, about trying to move on from an ex.
It’s included on “Zutto,” the 29th single by Osaka-born singer-songwriter aiko, released in 2011.
Its brisk rhythm lifts your spirits.
curfew violationKetsumeishi
From upbeat hip-hop to wistful ballads, Ketsumeishi master a wide range of styles, and their hidden gem “Kongen Yaburi” is a perfect example.
The moment you hear the intro, you’re drawn in by its soothing track—an ideal song to listen to softly on a nighttime date.
The lyrics portray the male protagonist’s feelings, from meeting a woman to going on a date, in a direct yet romantic way.
The dreamy afterglow lingers through the outro, making you want to keep listening forever.
Yawning LetterHinatazaka46
A coupling track included on Type-C of Hinatazaka46’s 6th single “Tteka.” It’s performed by Color Chart, the unit of Miku Kanemura, Akari Nibu, and Miho Watanabe.
Composed and arranged by Toshihiko Kadoya, who has produced numerous top-tier masterpieces within the Sakamichi groups such as “Yakusoku no Tamago” and “Yasashisa ga Jama o Suru.” The perfectly in-sync atmosphere of this Saitama-born trio matches beautifully with the gently seeping melody, giving a heartwarming feel.
A cute love song that pens feelings for someone special on sleepless nights.
The subtly sprinkled words also evoke a wintry mood.
It’s a charming gem that softly wishes for a happy future.
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.
One piece of musicMurata Kazuhito
Kazuhito Murata, an indispensable singer-songwriter who colored the 80s, left behind the masterpiece “Ippon no Ongaku” (“A Piece of Music”).
Released in 1983, it’s still considered a quintessential example of 80s city pop, a grand production that brought in Tatsuro Yamashita as arranger.
The resounding guitar sound and Murata’s soaring vocals feel wonderful, and a refreshing vibe drifts through the entire track that makes you want to keep listening.
When you have music you love, it feels like you can go anywhere, doesn’t it? This is a song that makes you rediscover your own love for music.
newspaperNakamura Emi
This song by singer-songwriter Nakamura Emi is included on her post-major-debut album “NIPPONNO ONNAWO UTAU Vol.5.” One of its appeals is the strongly message-driven lyrics, drawn from her unique perspective as someone who continued her music career while working as a full-time employee.
In this track, she portrays the charm of analog things sparked by reading a newspaper.
While acknowledging that digitalization has made life more convenient, she writes about the analog sensibilities we must not lose, because the human heart does not change.
Her gentle singing voice and the rounded, soft tone of the accompaniment evoke a certain sense of nostalgia.
