[Hidden Gem] Japanese Songs You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now

The Wind of BeginningsHirahara Ayaka

The Story of Saiunkoku OP – The Wind of Beginnings (Ayaka Hirahara)

A song by singer-songwriter Ayaka Hirahara, who shot to prominence with the smash-hit debut single “Jupiter,” based on the melody of the classical masterpiece The Planets.

This track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime The Story of Saiunkoku and is included on her fourth album, 4tsu no L (Four Ls).

The oriental tones layered over a string-featured ensemble resonate with the anime’s worldview.

With an emotional vocal that soothes both mind and body, it’s a masterpiece that even conveys a sense of grandeur.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Fireworks MagicAnsako

Asako An – Fireworks Magic [Official Music Video]

Here’s a classic love song that’s sure to make you fall in love at first listen! This is the title track from singer-songwriter Ansako’s major debut mini-album “Hanabi no Mahō,” by a Tottori-born artist with a shining pop sensibility.

It’s a pop tune that captures the youthful emotions of first love, with lyrics that liken those feelings to the “magic of fireworks”—fresh and romantic.

You’ll definitely be thinking, “I totally get this!” It’s perfect for listening while picturing someone you like, and even if you don’t have anyone in mind, it still lets you feel the heart-pounding excitement of summer.

There’s a bittersweetness that makes you want to go back to summers past, too! The outro is also truly lovely, and by the time it ends, you might just find yourself under Ansako’s spell…!

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KEI

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One piece of musicMurata Kazuhito

One Piece of Music / Kazuhito Murata

Kazuhito Murata, an indispensable singer-songwriter who colored the 80s, left behind the masterpiece “Ippon no Ongaku” (“A Piece of Music”).

Released in 1983, it’s still considered a quintessential example of 80s city pop, a grand production that brought in Tatsuro Yamashita as arranger.

The resounding guitar sound and Murata’s soaring vocals feel wonderful, and a refreshing vibe drifts through the entire track that makes you want to keep listening.

When you have music you love, it feels like you can go anywhere, doesn’t it? This is a song that makes you rediscover your own love for music.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Vertical Writing RainToukyou Sukaparadaisu Ookesutora feat. Chuunou Yoshie

Vertical Writing Rain feat. Yoshie Nakano (EGO-WRAPPIN’) / TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA

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.

In the rainy cityMatsutōya Yumi

In the rainy city

A song included on the debut album Hikōkigumo.

Though Yumi Matsutoya (Yumi Arai at the time) has created countless masterpieces old and new, it seems she hit a wall only with this song.

Thinking it might be her last try, she went into the studio and found a dahlia placed in a milk bottle on the piano.

It turned out the flower had been prepared by her then boyfriend—and, coincidentally, it was the “favorite flower” she had just happened to mention a few days earlier while they were chatting on a walk.

Seeing it, she was able to sing smoothly that day and finish the recording.

This production anecdote is so lovely that I’d like to present the song as a hidden gem.

Before I knew it, you were there.Matsuura Aya

Aya Matsuura – Before I Knew It, You [PV]

This is the 17th single by singer Aya Matsuura, who made her debut after passing the “4th Morning Musume & Michiyo Heike Little Sister Audition.” Originally a roughly 30-second piece created for a commercial, the song was used in Kirin Beverage’s “Gogo no Kocha” (Afternoon Tea) TV ad.

Due to the strong response to the commercial, a full-length version was produced.

The contrast between the rock‑tinged guitar over a refreshing arrangement and her cute vocals is exquisite.

It’s a catchy number with a melody that lingers in your ears and a pleasantly nostalgic atmosphere.

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Hoshino Takashi

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invitationShibasaki Kou

Ko Shibasaki – invitation

Ko Shibasaki is highly regarded not only as an actress but also for her work as a singer.

She has released so many songs that you might wonder if singing is actually her main profession.

Among them, “invitation” is a summer track with a pleasantly brisk feel.

It was also used as the opening theme for the drama “A Song to the Sun” (Taiyou no Uta).

Try closing your eyes and focusing on the lyrics—you’ll surely feel the freshness of summer.

In the music video, a young Masataka Kubota dashes around in a school uniform.

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gummy

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