[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 so good you’ll want to tell someone right now (171–180)
Unrequited love is fineGōruden Bonbā
It’s a song by the visual kei air band Golden Bomber.
It was included as the B-side on their 15th single, “Rola no Kizudarake,” released in 2014.
It’s a love song that earnestly expresses feelings for someone special.
The piano tone is beautiful.
It was used in a commercial for iichiko.
longing; yearning; admirationmakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu is a rock band known for lyrics that resonate with many people.
They’re now a popular act churning out hit songs, but there was a time when they performed on the streets.
“Akogare” is a song that captures their passion and anxieties about their dreams from that era.
The track is included on their first mini-album, “Al Dente,” released in 2015.
It’s a ballad that stays by your side when you’re feeling uneasy or on the verge of breaking.
It’s especially recommended for anyone who’s feeling a bit low.
flowerKōda Kumi
Kumi Koda, known for her husky singing voice, is an artist so famous that it’s no exaggeration to say everyone knows her.
Even so, she has a song that’s often called a hidden gem: “flower,” released in 2005.
It’s passionately supported by fans, but because no music video was made and Koda herself doesn’t appear on the CD jacket, it came to be known as a hidden masterpiece.
The song’s content is a heartrending portrayal of unrequited love.
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.
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.
[Hidden Gems] Japanese songs so good you'll want to share them right away (181–190)
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.
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.