[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 share them right away (181–190)
birds (in 2022)DISH//
DISH// is a four-piece rock band fronted by actor Takumi Kitamura as vocalist.
Many people are familiar with their well-known songs like “Neko” and “Jinchōge.” A hidden gem of theirs is “birds,” a track included on DISH//’s first album MAIN DISH.
In 2022, they also released a retake titled “birds (in 2022).” It’s fun to compare the two and focus on the differences in vocal delivery!
[Hidden Gems] Masterpieces of Japanese Music You'll Want to Share Right Now (191–200)
A person who loves springGLAY
Haruwow Aisuru Hito (The Person Who Loves Spring) is a fan favorite, featured on the 1996 album BELOVED and also included as the B-side of the single Kuchibiru.
Although the title includes “spring,” the lyrics move through each season—starting with spring, then summer, autumn, and winter—before returning to spring at the end.
Listening while reading the lyrics will surely make you think of someone special.
It’s a warm, affectionate song that perfectly matches the concept of the album BELOVED.
Only by livingKiroro
Speaking of Kiroro, “Mirai e” and “Best Friend” enjoy overwhelming name recognition and have remained beloved standards long after their release.
But beyond those, Kiroro has many other wonderful songs.
One I’d like to highlight is “Ikite Koso.” Set to a gently mellow, ballad-style accompaniment, its lyrics express gratitude to one’s parents and the importance of living.
As you listen, the song invites you to reflect anew on what truly matters—such as the birth of new life, the meaning of your own existence, and the preciousness of being alive.
Be…Ms. OOJA
It was released in 2012 as Ms.OOJA’s fifth single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Renai Neet: Wasureta Koi no Hajimekata,” and an alternative arrangement titled “Be…
duet with Kaoru Kurosawa” was included on the best-of album released in 2016.
kaleidoscopeOkumura Aiko
Aiko Okumura is a female singer-songwriter from Soka City, Saitama Prefecture.
She made her major debut in 2004 and has continued to release music steadily, drawing attention for her distinctive sound rooted in classic kayōkyoku.
“Kaleidoscope” is the title track from her first full-length album, released in February 2005.
It exudes a retro vibe reminiscent of Showa-era pop, and its jazzy, bouncing melody and sultry vocals seize your heart in an instant.
The lyrics, which liken her feelings of love to a kaleidoscope, are also noteworthy.
It’s a one-of-a-kind work that blends both a nostalgic charm and a fresh, innovative feel.
swallowYamazaki Masayoshi
A number notable for its warm acoustic guitar tones and lyrics that vividly depict an urban landscape.
Included on the 1996 album “STEREO,” this song is regarded as one of Masayoshi Yamazaki’s early masterpieces.
The lyrics, which portray the everyday life of a city-dwelling protagonist and his feelings for his hometown, are filled with elements anyone can relate to.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel like pausing amid busy days to reflect on yourself.
Listening to this piece makes your heart feel a little lighter.
Move forward, you slacker.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is a song included on the 1997 album Dilemma.
It has a wonderfully relaxed, laid-back feel in the best sense.
The way the words are arranged and used, the voice—everything lines up perfectly in three beats, making it a quintessential Kazuyoshi Saito classic.
The guitar and rhythm are simple, but it’s the kind of song that, when you’re a bit tired and feel like you’re about to lose sight of something important, you can listen to and think, “Well, it’s okay,” and feel your heart lighten.