[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 So Good You’ll Want to Tell Someone Right Away (41–50)
late summerKinKi Kids
A delicate ballad that captures the bittersweetness of summer’s end.
As it lingers on summer memories, you can feel the loneliness and ache for moments that can never return.
It’s a coupling track included on the single “Hikari no Keihai,” released in December 2019.
KinKi Kids’ rich expressive power is on full display, and you’ll be drawn in by their voices.
The lyrics beautifully depict summer scenes and a lost love, leaving a deep impression.
They’re filled with images that symbolize summer—rainbows, the sound of waves, wind chimes, and more.
It’s the perfect song to surrender to its gently flowing melody while you reflect on days gone by.
Highly recommended for those quiet, wistful moments at summer’s end.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
An emotionally moving work that portrays the bonds with friends from our youth and the passion to keep pursuing our dreams, it’s included on the album “Zankyō Reference.” With lyrics interwoven in Japanese and English, the song celebrates the strength to push forward through a chaotic world and the comfort of having an unchanging, precious place to return to.
This classic by ONE OK ROCK, recorded in October 2011, was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” Its appeal lies in a sound that skillfully fuses post-hardcore and emo elements, and in the powerful message embedded within its melodious arrangement.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life or when you want to look back on your cherished memories.
It’s a small worldKing Gnu
A four-piece crossover band dominating the J-POP scene with high musicality, outstanding performance skills that bring it to life, and a pop songwriting sense that doesn’t veer too far into the niche—King Gnu’s track fits that bill.
Chosen as the ending theme for the music program “BOMBER-E,” it’s included on their second album, Sympa.
The ensemble—marked by a distinctive combination of programmed beats and upright bass—pairs with a wistful melody to create a truly addictive sound.
It’s a number that invites you to sink into its romantic lyrics and reappreciate the depth of a band like King Gnu.
Letterback number
“Tegami” is a song by back number released in 2015.
Since it was used in an NTT Docomo commercial, many people probably first heard it on TV.
The lyrics convey gratitude to the singer’s mother.
If you take the time to read them closely, it’s a song anyone can relate to, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
While back number is often recognized for their love songs, they’ve created masterpieces beyond that as well!
Two wordsyuzu
It’s a moving message song packed tightly with feelings for someone precious.
It’s a track by the musical duo Yuzu, who have produced numerous hit songs like “Eikou no Kakehashi” and “Muscat,” and it’s included on their ninth album, FURUSATO, released in 2009.
It’s said to have taken a long time to make, so it’s surely a song that means a lot to the two members of Yuzu.
As for what the “two words” in the title are, try inserting your own words and give it a listen.
Further awayRemioromen
Known for their massive hits “Konayuki” and “March 9,” Remioromen is a three-piece rock band currently on hiatus.
This song is their 13th single overall, released as a double A-side with “Orchestra,” and it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s coverage of the Beijing Olympics.
The richly layered ensemble—blending band sound with strings—evokes the stories of people fighting on their respective stages.
It’s a lyrical rock tune whose powerful, encouraging message is truly stirring.
Two HeartsMiura Daichi
This song portrays the depth of love in which two hearts become one.
It’s a track included on Daichi Miura’s album “The Entertainer,” and it was also released as a single in May 2012.
The song’s themes are the bond and trust between two people, as well as hope for a future they will walk together.
Seamlessly blending Daichi Miura’s vocal prowess with his dance performance, this work is recommended for those who want to feel a profound connection with a loved one.
In the music video, Daichi Miura himself handles the choreography and delivers a stunning performance alongside the dancers.