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

Blue JasmineYonezu Kenshi

[Kenshi Yonezu] Blue Jasmine (Guitar Cover) [With Chord Chart]

It’s a heartwarming love song packed tight with the feeling, “As long as you’re here, I’ll be okay.” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who has produced numerous hit songs like “Lemon” and “Kanden,” and it’s included on his third album, Bremen, released in 2015.

The straightforward words and a melody line that feels as if it’s pouring straight from the heart are striking.

Precisely because the arrangement is so unadorned, it makes you think, “He really means it.”

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Araki Jakkan

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Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Go-Go Ghost Ship'

A track included on Kenshi Yonezu’s first album “diorama,” released in 2012 during his indie period.

Just like the title suggests, it gives you the sensation of looking at a fictional world from the outside.

Yonezu originally worked as a Vocaloid producer under the name Hachi, and “Go Go Ghost Ship” has a style that sits between Hachi and Yonezu.

The lyrics use distinctive metaphors, and the addictive, earworm-like melody really sticks with you.

The hand-drawn music video by Yonezu also builds the worldview in great detail, making it fun to interpret in various ways.

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Tani Satoko

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summer visitKahara Tomomi

Summer visit Tomomi Kahala solo piano/vocal performance #fanksfes

It’s a song included on Tomomi Kahala’s first original album, “LOVE BRACE,” released in 1996.

It instantly achieved million-selling first-week sales.

The track was recorded while looking out at the ocean, and she has said she wanted it to be released as a single.

Letter ~To My Beloved~Fujita Maiko

[Chinese-Japanese Subtitles PV] Maiko Fujita - Letter ~To My Beloved~

Released in 2013 as Maiko Fujita’s ninth single.

The lyrics express straightforward gratitude to one’s parents, making it a moving song often used at weddings.

It is also known as a staple track for “ruikatsu,” events where people refresh their minds and bodies by having a good, cathartic cry.

Be StrongNishino Kana

Kana Nishino Be Strong LIVE PV (High-Quality Video, High-Quality Audio)

This song is included on Kana Nishino’s fourth original album, Love Place, and was released in 2012.

It served as the lead track from the album and was featured in Honda’s “Honda meets Music” commercial.

The lyrics are striking for expressing a woman’s strong resolve to move on from a broken heart.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTIONNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION' Live Performance

Kana Nishino, who has created numerous love songs such as “Aitakute Aitakute” and “Torisetsu,” has a track that likens romance to a romantic film: “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION.” By the way, the title comes from the cue used when shooting movies: lights, camera, action.

The lyrics are sprinkled with lines from classic romance films, so movie lovers will find plenty of fun discoveries.

It’s available on all major streaming services, so be sure to check it out!

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yamamoto

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You and ISuzuki Ranran

Ranan Suzuki – You and Me

It’s a song that Ranran Suzuki sang on the children’s show “Ponkikkies.” The lyrics and music are by Epo, who also joins on backing vocals.

It really feels like a song that’s very Epo.

Ranran Suzuki, who was positioned as a “baradoru” (variety-idol) at the time, is also a very good singer.

Her androgynous vibe fits this song perfectly.

The scat section makes you want to sing along.