Cute masterpieces of J‑Pop: recommended popular songs

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

It was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and became such a hit that it sold over a million copies.

The depiction of a man thinking about his lover who drifts away while chasing dreams is deeply heartrending and makes your chest tighten.

It’s perfect for the bittersweet autumn season.

Togetsukyo ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai

Mai Kuraki “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Mai Kuraki is also famous for having performed many theme songs for Detective Conan, and she was recognized by Guinness for it.

This song is also a Detective Conan theme, and it’s a heartwarming piece that evokes the colors of autumn foliage.

It’s one of my favorite classics.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)

Among Ai Otsuka’s ballads, this song was a major hit.

It beautifully and poignantly likens the unbearably sorrowful feelings of losing someone dear to fireworks at the end of summer.

Although it’s one of her early songs, it remains popular across a wide range of generations.

JupiterHirahara Ayaka

[LIVE] Yui Ibuki – Jupiter @ Umeda Street Live (Ayaka Hirahara Cover)

The original piece is Jupiter by Gustav Holst, a master of the classical world.

It was Ayaka Hirahara’s debut single and became a big hit at the time.

The grand melody characteristic of classical music is paired with Japanese lyrics, and it is performed beautifully with a voice that is gentle yet powerful.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer [Live ver.]

Released in 1997, it became a hit and has since been covered by many artists—one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s classic songs.

The singer’s feelings overflow in the lyrics, making it very moving.

It’s a gentle ballad that reveals more depth the more you listen to it, and I listen to it often myself.

ginkgoYūsuke

Yusuke 'Ginkgo'

From a male perspective, it’s a song that looks back on memories with a loved one from spring through autumn.

The lyrics don’t reveal the details, but they convey a sense of poignancy and pain.

The chorus is set to the melody of Pachelbel’s Canon, making it a very easy-listening track.

Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta / GO!GO!7188

This autumn classic by GO!GO!7188 achieves a perfect blend of a fast-paced band sound and girlish, mood-rich lyricism.

The uniquely cool, slightly rugged vocals add a touch of cuteness and stylish Japanese flair that enhances the overall atmosphere.