[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 you’ll want to tell someone about right now (101–110)
OrangeSMAP
This song was included as the B-side to the single “Lion Heart,” released in 2000.
It frequently ranked high in fan polls for best-of album tracks, and despite being a B-side, it has garnered strong support.
Furthermore, the chorus lyrics, which convey a message of farewell and gratitude, were seen as overlapping with a message from SMAP as they disbanded, bringing the song back into the spotlight after their breakup.
It’s truly a hidden gem that absolutely deserves to be highlighted.
umbilical cordSOFFet
Formed by childhood friends since their elementary school days, SOFFet is a two-member music group in which each member handles songwriting, vocals, and instrument performance.
This is their seventh single.
The track features piano and strings, and the gentle melody and rap feel so pleasant, don’t they? The lyrics weave a message of gratitude to a mother—something that becomes harder to express out loud as we grow up—and many listeners will likely see themselves in it.
It’s a moving masterpiece that will make many people feel like they want to go see their mothers just by listening.
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.
Spring PhantomSuperfly
A track I want you to listen to when you need to heal a broken heart—one that paints a bittersweet path of love.
It’s a song by Superfly, the music unit led by Shiho Ochi, included on their 2009 album Box Emotions.
It was used as the theme song for a drama of the same name.
The refreshing yet fragile band sound is striking, and Ochi’s resolute vocals linger in your ears.
Even while understanding how it will all end, just for now… that feeling comes through in this spring song that squeezes your heart.
forget-me-notNOKKO
With Rebecca’s vocalist Nokko—known for her distinctive singing voice—at the helm, the 1998 release Wasurenagusa is a song with a dreamlike beauty, like a flower swayed by the wind.
The composer is Yuka Kawamura, who has crafted numerous songs including SMAP’s Yozora no Mukou.
The gently flowing acoustic guitar and Nokko’s tender vocals resonate deeply.
The lyrics evoke the changing seasons of nature and bring to mind a cherished person and those days that have become treasures.
[Hidden Gems] Japanese songs you’ll want to share with someone right now (111–120)
slow danceSuneo Heā
Suneohair’s 2012 single “slow dance.” It’s a number where his signature beautiful-melody rock explodes, fully showcasing his strengths.
Known to those in the know for releasing classics built on various eight-beat grooves and flowing, gorgeous melodies, this may be the essence of Suneohair.
Even the guitar effects and refrains are beautiful, and it’s a driving rock track that carries a hint of wistfulness.
The music video, in which he himself performs, is also a highlight!
Shekebon!Bikkeburanka
Speaking of Vickeblanka, his song “Ca Va?” was featured in a Spotify commercial and also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “The Road to Revenge: The Two-Faced Stratagem,” starring Hiroshi Tamaki and Issei Takahashi! Among his tracks, this song is just as upbeat and fun as “Ca Va?”.
It was actually the theme song for the late-night drama “Peanut Butter Sandwich.” He’s already a hugely popular artist, but with his catchy melodies, slightly quirky yet irresistible song structures, and outstanding groove, his popularity is sure to keep rising!