[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)
mirrorHakubi
Hakubi is a three-piece rock band formed in Kyoto.
Their appearances at music festivals around the country have become increasingly prominent, and they finally made their major-label debut in 2021.
This song, which they had been performing since before their debut and which commands overwhelming popularity among fans, portrays the struggle of looking inward and trying to move forward despite the turmoil.
Its lyrics have given courage to many listeners.
Singing about their inner selves, as in this track, is one of the charms of their music, and it’s undoubtedly a song that will continue to be loved by fans even after their major debut.
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.
Gemini GraffitiKirinji
This is the opening number of Kirinji’s first album.
If you recently discovered Kirinji through “Aliens,” I hope you’ll listen to their other songs as well.
I think a first album often captures the artist in an unvarnished, concentrated form.
This track sparkles with Kirinji’s charm.
It’s a mysterious Kirinji world where cuteness and a touch of irony coexist.
Their exquisite musical sensibility shines in this song too.
[Hidden Gems] Japanese Songs You'll Want to Share Right Now (81–90)
LiarKIDS
A four-piece rock band from Nara Prefecture, KIDS, delivers this classic song about springtime farewells.
Beloved by fans since their indie days, it’s a track that earned enduring popularity and was also included on their major-label debut album, “L to L.” Vocalist Ryo Okuno’s signature husky voice deepens the poignancy of the story portrayed in the lyrics.
Though the band regretfully went on hiatus in 2015, this song—and many of their others—remains cherished by fans to this day.
On the night when the stars disappearedAimer
A song by Aimer, a female singer whose emotional, husky voice has earned high acclaim in Japan and abroad.
It’s included on her 5th single, RE:I AM EP, and was also featured in 2022 as the title track of the compilation album “Hoshi no Kieta Yoru ni” (On the Night the Stars Disappeared).
The transparent, airy ensemble and heartrending melody that evoke the title have a soothing quality that makes you want to keep listening.
With lyrics that seem to stand by you through everyday worries and stress, it’s a dreamy ballad that gently heals the heart.
sky blueGARNET CROW
A track from the album released in 2002 by GARNET CROW, a band that gained immense popularity for its calm vocals and one-of-a-kind worldview.
It’s a captivating song featuring powerful, satisfying vocals over a grand, band-driven arrangement.
The refreshing lyrics are another highlight—together with the beautiful layering of chorus and gut guitar—so be sure to listen closely to the words and savor the experience.
After the rain, on the asphalt, in my new shoesGO!GO!7188
It’s an insert song from the album, and with its bright, distinctly “them” melodic line, it’s become a fan favorite.
It’s a refreshing song about lacing up brand-new shoes and dashing across rain-washed asphalt to fling all your worries and thoughts far away.