[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)
It was all you.Yamazaki Masayoshi
Released as a single in 2003, this is a track that enjoys high popularity among fans.
Its greatest appeal lies, above all, in the lyrics.
The words, woven together by Masayoshi Yamazaki’s gently distinctive voice—one of his signature charms—are sure to move your heart.
The lyrics depict a man in a couple recalling his ex-girlfriend after their breakup, and the phrase that also serves as the title, “It Was All You,” appears throughout the song.
Though simple and sparing in words, that phrase really hits home, doesn’t it? Give it a listen while layering it with your own experiences or imagining the story painted by the lyrics.
A cheer for youYamane Yasuhiro
Yasuhiro Yamane has produced numerous rock songs.
As one of his hidden gems, I recommend “YELL wo Kimi ni.” Compared to his other releases, it’s had fewer TV performances, but it enjoys passionate support from fans.
In fact, it’s been included on his albums three times so far—that’s proof enough.
The lyrics gently accompany those who are tired, so listening to it will soothe your heart.
By the way, the reason it appears three times is that each version has a different arrangement, making it fun to compare them.
eclairOkazaki Taiiku
Singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki made a sensational debut with “MUSIC VIDEO.” While he’s strongly associated with humorous songs like “Emotion Pixel,” his albums also include several truly moving gems.
Among them, this track from the album BASIN TECHNO is a nostalgic, earnest, youth-infused song that will stir feelings of homesickness in anyone who hears it.
It’s precisely because he has these gut-punching numbers behind the humorous ones that their persuasiveness and emotional impact stand out even more.
Be sure to listen carefully while reading the lyrics!
[Hidden Gems] Japanese songs so good you’ll want to tell someone right now (Nos. 151–160)
Evenly spaced along the Kamo RiverOkazaki Taiiku
A song dating back to Taiiku Okazaki’s indie days, and one that’s been used not only by musicians but also by actors and voice actors.
It’s a rock tune brimming with the everyday feel of Kyoto—something only someone from Kyoto Prefecture like him could write.
At the same time, it’s sprinkled with Okazaki’s literary flair, making it a hidden gem that reveals the depth of his insight.
ANNIVERSARYMayo Okamoto
Perfect for birthdays and weddings alike, “ANNIVERSARY” fits the bill.
It’s the B-side to Mayo Okamoto’s single “Sono Mama no Kimi de Ite.” As the title suggests, it’s themed around special anniversaries and expresses gratitude to a partner who has supported you all along.
Preparing it for a special day could both surprise and move your loved one.
By the way, the a cappella version included on the mini-album “crystal scenery” is also recommended.
(E)naOkamura Yasuyuki
Yasuyuki Okamura is a singer-songwriter who has been active on the Japanese music scene since the 1980s.
Among the many songs he has written for other artists, “(E)na,” included on his 1990 album “Kateikyoushi” (Home Tutor), stands out.
The title is read as “kakkoiina” (“how cool”) and expresses his honest feelings toward a woman he admires.
Featuring a rhythmic band performance with a horn section, the track also drew attention for his singing and dance performance.
Experience his unique sound that blends funk and pop.
in the skyKudō Shizuka
Released in 1998 as the B-side to Shizuka Kudo’s 32nd single “Kirara.” Both tracks included were used as insert songs for the Fuji TV drama “God, Please Give Me More Time,” and they also drew attention for being written and composed by Ryuichi Kawamura.