[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 share with someone right now (111–120)
Vertical Writing RainToukyou Sukaparadaisu Ookesutora feat. Chuunou Yoshie
This is a mellow number by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra featuring Yoshie Nakano from EGO-WRAPPIN’ on vocals.
The wistful quality of Nakano’s voice is exquisite.
Skapara’s performance also conveys a touching sense of longing—it’s really great.
This pairing is gorgeous.
A sultry masterpiece.
[Hidden Gems] Japanese Masterpieces You'll Want to Share Right Now (121–130)
The DayShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu, a hugely popular male R&B singer.
“The Day” is included on his fourth album, “Naturally,” released in 2012.
The song expresses a vow to spend a lifetime with a loved one.
It’s perfect as wedding background music.
The Last NightAikawa Nanase
Nanase Aikawa’s “Saigo no Yoru” (The Last Night) is a song set at dawn that depicts a couple’s breakup.
It was originally produced as the B-side to “LIKE A HARD RAIN” and was later included on an album.
However, in both cases, the accompanying track became such a big hit that “Saigo no Yoru” came to be regarded as a hidden gem.
I hope you’ll pay attention to the lyrics, which conjure vivid scenes as if you were reading a novel, and to her expressively rich vocals.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya
This is the 12th single by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, known as an iconic artist in Japanese city pop, which has been attracting renewed attention in recent years.
Among Takeuchi’s songs, it is especially popular and has been covered by many artists, including Tatsuro Yamashita, who handled the arrangement and production.
With its urban-feel guitar comping and funky 16-beat rhythm, the ensemble is a superb showcase of city pop’s allure.
It’s a classic that draws you in with its cool arrangement and has become a staple in live performances.
Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi
A track included on Kenshi Yonezu’s first album “diorama,” released in 2012 during his indie period.
Just like the title suggests, it gives you the sensation of looking at a fictional world from the outside.
Yonezu originally worked as a Vocaloid producer under the name Hachi, and “Go Go Ghost Ship” has a style that sits between Hachi and Yonezu.
The lyrics use distinctive metaphors, and the addictive, earworm-like melody really sticks with you.
The hand-drawn music video by Yonezu also builds the worldview in great detail, making it fun to interpret in various ways.
Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry is the solo project of yasu, the vocalist of Janne Da Arc.
It’s also known for its music videos and costumes that are even more humorous than during the Janne Da Arc days.
One of Acid Black Cherry’s hidden gems is “Fuyu no Maboroshi” (Winter Illusion).
The song portrays the sorrow of a woman who lost her loved one in an incident.
It’s said to have been created based on a letter yasu received from a fan.
Keep this backstory in mind when you listen.
Crimson at duskASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This is a hidden gem by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, the four-piece rock band affectionately known as Ajikan, and it was included as the B-side to their smash hit “Rewrite.” The steady, understated guitar work is cool and incredibly satisfying, isn’t it? Have you ever watched a sunset dye the sky deep red and felt the grandeur of nature, realizing how small we humans are and how trivial your worries really are? This is the song I want you to listen to in those moments.
