[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 Share Right Now (141–150)
Surely!Nakamura Kaho
Kaho Nakamura, a truly up-and-coming musician from Kyoto Prefecture.
The moment she sings a word or strikes a single piano note, she has the kind of magic that transforms the atmosphere of the whole world.
It makes me incredibly happy that a musician like this is emerging from Japan.
If you’re tired of the sameness of J-pop or want to discover something new, don’t miss her.
Gentle PhilosophyTomita Labo feat. Shiina Ringo
A live recording of a track created through a collaboration between composer/producer Tomita Lab and Ringo Sheena, with lyrics by Ringo Sheena and music by Tomita Lab.
It opens both of their albums, and it’s a song brimming with chemical reactions—Ringo Sheena’s rock-leaning sound infused with the deep, versatile tonal palette of Tomita Lab.
A masterpiece whose thick layers of sound and driving beats feel incredibly satisfying.
SentimentalToki Asako
A song by Asako Toki, the singer who is the daughter of jazz saxophonist Hideshi Toki and who made her debut as the lead vocalist of Cymbals, a band that unfortunately disbanded in 2003.
Featured on her 13th album, “Ranhansha Girl,” the track is marked by a relaxed beat, with an ear-catching piano and bass presence that feels satisfying.
Its mysterious atmosphere makes it perfect as background music for a calm, solitary day.
Cool yet pop-tinged, the arrangement is superb—an enchanting, mystical number.
Isn’t it okay to have tried your best?Ōhara Sakurako
It’s a gently encouraging song by Sakurako Ohara! Rather than pushing you forward with a forceful “Do your best! Do your best!” it cheers you on softly, saying, “I’m with you, so let’s try our best together.” It’s the perfect song for when you’re feeling down or need some support.
Please give it a listen.
The summer you gave meOku Hanako
Okumura Hanako is a singer-songwriter known for songs that capture the bittersweet essence of youth.
Her signature tracks Garnet and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’s “Kawaranai Mono” were featured in the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, perfectly matching the world she expresses.
The song introduced here is Kimi ga Kureta Natsu, which she wrote specifically for the movie Ashita ni Nareba.
To create it, she reportedly reread the script many times and held repeated meetings with the director.
You can really tell how much care went into it.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re craving that sweet, bittersweet feeling.
sunglassesUtada Hikaru
A singer-songwriter who has maintained unwavering popularity with lyrics and musicality deepened by life experience: Hikaru Utada.
This track, included on her second album Distance—which set a first-week sales record of over three million copies—pairs a funky guitar sound with an emotionally stirring vocal that feels so good.
The mature lyrics, hard to believe were written when she was still a teenager, have a charm that draws many listeners in.
It’s a gem you won’t encounter by listening only to the singles—a soulfully arranged, irresistibly satisfying masterpiece.
ripeieiri reo
It’s a very straightforward love song that sings, “I want to feel spring with the one I cherish—you.” It’s a track by Leo Ieiri, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, included as a coupling song on her debut single “Sabrina,” released in 2012.
The acoustic-leaning arrangement pairs beautifully with Ieiri’s free and expansive vocals, making for a very warm piece.
In terms of its lyrical worldview, it might resonate especially with junior high and high school students.
Maybe you, too, have someone who makes you feel this way.
