[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 (131–140)
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.
rays of lightB’z
Even if you know the reality and it’s painful, if you can keep moving forward, you’ll surely reach the light… It’s a work that can serve as a guiding principle in life.
This song by the national rock duo B’z is included on their 16th album, “ACTION,” released in 2007.
The lyrics, sound, and vocals convey powerful emotions about what it means to “live,” and they truly give you chills.
The breathtaking guitar solo is flawless, too! When you’re troubled by something, this song might just blow everything away.
Ex-BoyfriendCrystal Kay
A song released as a single in July 2001.
The lyrics tell a bittersweet story about still having feelings for someone she once pushed away, but Crystal Kay delivers it with a super cool vibe.
It’s a stylish classic.
VERBAL from m-flo adds even more coolness with his rap.
Melodic and danceable, it’s a track that makes you want to move.
Even now… because I still love you.Every Little Thing
A two-person music unit, Every Little Thing, who have continued to thrive while constantly exploring new directions—from synth-based sounds to a band-oriented and acoustic approach.
This track, included on their second album “Time to Destination,” is also known as a cover of a song that member at the time, Mitsuru Igarashi, provided to actress Megumi Okina.
The ensemble is striking, packed with early-career trademarks: rock-tinged guitars, crystalline synths, and a distinctive vocal timbre you can’t forget after a single listen.
A hidden gem overshadowed by their signature hits, its wistful yet catchy melody lingers in the ear.
canaryGLAY
In the cold season, there are those moments when you suddenly find yourself thinking of your hometown, aren’t there? This is a work that stirs up exactly that kind of nostalgia.
It’s a song by GLAY, a rock band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years, included on their 1996 album BELOVED.
As mentioned above, it’s perfect for listening during the colder months, from autumn into winter.
If you’re someone who left your hometown to chase a dream and now lives elsewhere, it will probably resonate with you even more.
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.
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.
