A breakup song sung by an idol. A collection of bittersweet love songs.

Slow motionNakamori Akina

[Official] Akina Nakamori 'Slow Motion (from “Hajimemashite”)' [1st Single (Released May 1, 1982)] Akina Nakamori / Slow Motion

A debut work distinguished by its mellow melody and crystalline vocals that gently embrace a budding crush on someone met by the seaside.

With an expressiveness hard to believe for a 16-year-old, Akina Nakamori beautifully captures the fateful moment of encounter.

Released in May 1982 and included on the album “Prologue [Jomaku],” it debuted at No.

58 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, quietly winning listeners’ hearts.

The pure feelings of a girl captivated by the sight of a man walking along the sandy beach are sung with the freshness of a sea breeze.

Evoking the premonition of love that everyone experiences as if it were a scene from a film, this piece is one to enjoy on a tranquil spring afternoon.

First Love RendezvousAnimal☆Collection

[1st single] “First Love Rendezvous” MV

A new single has arrived from Animal☆Collection, an idol group themed around pets and brimming with love for adorable animals.

It’s a sweet-and-sour love song that compares the feelings of first love—meeting someone who gazes at you with gentle eyes, the moment your heart starts pounding, and the irresistible curiosity that follows—to the courtship behaviors of animals.

Since its release in July 2024, the group has held live events across Tokyo, including at Tower Records Shibuya, captivating audiences with their cute dance performances.

This track is recommended not only for dog lovers, but also for anyone who wants to relive the bittersweet memories of first love or simply warm their heart with a gentle, comforting feeling.

Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – Gentle Rain (Official Video)

The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.

Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.

Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.

Love, I’m checkmated.AKB48

Love Is Checkmated Music Video / AKB48 64th Single [Official]

AKB48, a female idol group born in 2005 and based in Akihabara, introduced the innovative format of “theater performances” to Japan’s music scene.

Centered on J-pop and idol pop, they also showcase a wide musical range, including rock and ballads.

They have released a steady stream of singles and albums, setting numerous records on the Oricon charts.

The group has appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has won many music awards, including the Japan Record Awards.

Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, they launched the groundbreaking “General Election,” in which fans vote.

Without ever disbanding, the group continues to deliver a fresh appeal by repeatedly welcoming new members and graduating others.

AKB48, which brought a fresh breeze to idol culture, is recommended for those who enjoy lively, upbeat songs and dances.

Colorful DaysAee! group

Aぇ! group “Colorful Days” Official Music Video – Streaming Ver. –

Aぇ! group delivers a sweet, pop-tinged love song filled with the familiar sparkle of romance—like the butterflies before meeting up for a date or the shy moment of giving a gift.

Set to a breezy rhythm, its message of courtship will resonate with anyone harboring sweet-and-sour feelings of love.

Featured on the album “D.N.A,” releasing in February 2025, and chosen as the CM song for the nationwide sweets delivery service CAKE LINK, this track is perfect for those who want to share that heart-pounding moment of love with someone special.

orchestraBiSH

BiSH / Orchestra [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This is a ballad with a heartwarming melody that stands out as it looks back on days gone by while gazing up at the night sky.

It’s a classic track included on BiSH’s album “KiLLER BiSH,” released in October 2016, and has been loved as one of their signature songs.

The lyrics gently portray parting with someone dear, a sense of loss, and memories that live on forever in the heart, resonating as if softly nestling close to your chest.

The grand, orchestral-like sound and the members’ vocals blend exquisitely, tenderly enveloping the listener’s heart.

Kiss Me PatissierCANDY TUNE

[MV] CANDY TUNE 'Kiss Me, Patissier'

CANDY TUNE is a rapidly rising female idol group that made their debut in 2023.

They’ve gained attention with songs themed around a sweets maker and continue to release a stream of cute, pop tracks rooted in J-pop.

In February 2024, they performed at JAPAN EXPO THAILAND 2024, marking their international debut.

Just eight months after forming, they successfully held a solo concert at Zepp Shinjuku, showcasing their strong abilities.

The group’s charm lies in the distinctive singing voices and dance performances of its seven members.

Their active presence on social media has also become a hot topic, and with catchy choreography and approachable melodies, they’re a recommended group for anyone looking for something bright and uplifting.