[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 Songs You'll Want to Tell Someone About Right Now (91–100)
A Restless Stirring of YouthAwesome City Club
A mid-tempo track from the 2017 album “Awesome City Tracks 4,” which drew attention at the time for its city pop-inspired sound.
Although the album had a different lead track and this song wasn’t originally slated for it, a music video was made in response to fan requests.
Snow and winter night skies somehow bring back old memories, don’t they? This song gently stays with that feeling of wanting to look back and try again during those quiet moments.
Its sentimental mood pairs perfectly with the subtle, exquisite groove.
A mellow, slightly laid-back vibe makes it a truly comfortable and memorable tune.
Youth Changing RoomKarin.
Karin., a next-generation singer-songwriter born in 2001.
This song, included on her 2019 album Identity Crisis, might be one many of you have seen the music video for on YouTube.
The track itself boasts over a million views.
Its deeply relatable lyrics and her distinct, slightly husky voice are truly captivating—she’s definitely an artist to watch! You’re sure to find other songs that hit you right in the heart, so be sure to give her a listen!
[Hidden Gems] Japanese songs you’ll want to tell someone about right now (101–110)
snow-white moonKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids is a male idol duo consisting of Koichi Domoto and Tsuyoshi Domoto, who belong to Johnny & Associates.
Alongside their many hit songs, they also have numerous exquisite ballads.
Have you heard of the hidden gem “Setsu Byaku no Tsuki” (Snow-White Moon)? This breakup-themed love song was released in 2005 as the B-side to the single “SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!”.
The first half features the two members singing their respective parts, and the latter half’s chorus, where they harmonize, is stunningly beautiful—drawing you deeper into its world the more you listen.
It’s a masterpiece whose delicate words and melody strike straight to the heart.
GET UPScoobie Do
This song is defined by a rhythm that comfortably exudes funk.
It’s included on the mini-album GET UP, their major-label debut released in June 2002.
Chosen as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN, the track sings about facing everyday changes and the importance of keeping your eyes forward as you live.
As we grow older, both we and our relationships with those around us evolve.
Even so, it urges us not to lose our pure feelings and to cherish the present moment.
It’s a song that lifts you up when you’re down or feeling lost.
Scoobie Do’s powerful vocals and funky sound will resonate with your heart.
Poem of HappinessUru
Speaking of Uru, she’s a singer-songwriter with an irresistibly beautiful, translucent voice.
While the theme songs “Anata ga Iru Koto de” for the drama “Theseus no Fune” and “Prologue” for “Chugakusei Nikki” have been drawing attention, she had wonderful songs even before that.
This particular track was used as an insert song for the 2017 drama “Frankenstein no Koi.” With its notably simple structure and slow-tempo ballad style, it’s a song that really lets you savor the beauty of her voice—her greatest charm.
Boiling point: 36°Ceastern youth
Eastern Youth, a legendary rock band known to those in the know.
Their passionate lyrics and vocals fused with razor-sharp performances have captivated countless rock fans.
They’ve actually been steadily growing their fanbase overseas as well.
One especially recommended track is “Boiling Point 36°.” It’s a song that blows away all your sadness and frustration.
Especially when you’re feeling down, it can truly save your heart.
With its explosive power, this track is guaranteed to become a favorite after just one listen!
Gentle LifeKaneko Ayano
Ayano Kaneko is a singer-songwriter known for the charm of her simple, unadorned vocals.
“Yasashii Seikatsu” (Gentle Life) is a track included on her album “Muretachi,” released on vinyl in 2017 and on CD in 2018.
The song carries an atmosphere that overlaps with her down-to-earth image, and its lyrics convey a desire to stay true to one’s authentic self.
While its words may not resonate with everyone, for those they do reach, they cut deeply—making this very much a hidden gem of a song.