[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 Right Now (121–130)
LONELY NIGHTStofubeats
This is a track by tofubeats that depicts a lonely night.
Released in May 2017, it’s included on the album “FANTASY CLUB.” Its emotional atmosphere, wistful melody, and sounds that feel like racing through a city at night are striking.
The song portrays the loneliness of youth and the feelings one has in the nighttime streets, highlighted by a compelling collaboration between tofubeats and KEIJU.
It’s recommended for night drives or spending time alone, and it resonates with anyone who feels lonely.
Blending an urban vibe with youthful sensibilities, it’s a track you should definitely check out.
Once…EGO-WRAPPIN’
With a subdued yet sensual saxophone tone making a striking impression in the intro, listeners are immediately drawn into the world of the song.
This is “Once…” (“Katsute…”) by the Osaka-born duo EGO-WRAPPIN’, released in 2001.
It’s included on the album Midnight Deja Vu (Michishio no Romance).
By skillfully blending elements of jazz blues and Japanese kayōkyoku, EGO-WRAPPIN’ have forged a style all their own.
In this track, carried by a waltz rhythm, you can savor refined performances on guitar, piano, bass, and horns.
Rising even more freely and resoundingly above those instruments is the voice of vocalist Yoshie Nakano.
When it comes to creativity as a vocalist, no one surpasses her.
“Once…,” EGO-WRAPPIN’s song about an adult parting—be sure to give it a listen.
All LightTokyo No.1 soulset feat. Harada Ikuko
This indescribable melancholy—Harada Ikuko as the guest vocalist is just wonderful.
She collaborates with all kinds of artists, doesn’t she? No matter who she plays with, her own color never wavers.
The Soul Set’s airy, laid-back performance is great too.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling blue, it’ll pile even more gloom on top—but that feeling is somehow comforting.
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 tell someone about right now (131–140)
RainHata Motohiro
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film The Garden of Words features the song Rain as its main theme.
It’s sung by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, whose one-of-a-kind voice has a commanding presence.
His smoky vocals bring out the beauty of the song’s world even more.
Rain originally had another version, released in 1991 by singer-songwriter Senri Oe.
The arrangement is drastically different from the original, but both versions have their own appeal—be sure to listen and compare.
Wings Named YouKobukuro
When it comes to Kobukuro’s hidden gems, “Kimi to IU na no Tsubasa” (Wings Called You) is the one.
It’s a song that portrays throwing yourself into something, focusing, and charging forward without giving up.
The chorus features the duo’s wonderfully satisfying harmonies that really lift your spirits.
If you’re looking to dedicate yourself to something with passion, give this song a listen!
Soap Bubble DaysAqua Timez
Aqua Timez is a band that has sung about countless dreams and love.
“Shabondama Days” is the lead track from their second mini-album, Nanairo no Rakugaki, released in 2006.
It’s been a live staple since their amateur days, and its bouncy rhythm and springlike pop feel will lift your spirits.
It’s a breakup song that wishes happiness for the one who’s gone, yet it somehow wraps you in a bright, hopeful mood.
The guitar in the interlude is wonderful as well.
Partings are painful, but this hidden gem of a love song gives you the strength to face forward and move on.
