Cute masterpieces of J‑Pop: recommended popular songs

When I Fall in LoveCrystal Kay

Crystal Kay - If I Fall in Love (PV)

Crystal Kay’s husky voice keeps this cute song from being too sweet and gives it a refreshing feel.

It’s a classic love song about adoring everything about your crush and wanting to be together forever.

The chorus is easy to remember, and it’s a cute track that really gets the crowd going at karaoke.

One thing I want to ask youSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO "One Thing I Want to Ask You"

It’s an adorable unrequited-love song that captures feelings for someone whose name you don’t even know.

Released by SHISHAMO in June 2025, it stands out not only for the music but also because vocalist Asako Miyazaki plays the heroine in the music video.

The lyrics distill a pure desire to know everything about the other person, and together with the warm musical tone, it’s sure to make your heart flutter.

If you’re in the midst of a crush right now, you might find it incredibly relatable.

younger boykyandīzu

A Younger Boy / Candies (Cover)

When it comes to cute songs by the Candies, this is the one! You can feel the emotions of a girl dating a cute younger boy—she fusses over him, yet she just can’t help how much she loves him.

It’s a song where you can enjoy the Candies’ clear, easy-to-understand, and slightly sexy vocals.

Love♡Scream!AiScReam

AiScReam “Love♡Scream!” Official Lyric Video

This song portrays the sweet confusion of falling in love and a straightforward devotion to the other person.

It’s a debut single released by Lantis in January 2025, sung by AiScReam, a limited-time unit consisting of three Love Live! characters: Ruby Kurosawa, Ayumu Uehara, and Shiki Wakana.

The lyrics are striking in how they use ice cream flavors as a metaphor while expressing the feeling that “you’re the most important of all.” The trio’s beautiful harmonies layered over a poppy, bouncy sound make your heart skip with joy as you listen.

Cannot stop the queue!CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Can't Stop at the Queue!"

This high-energy pop tune, bursting with a sense of speed, grabs listeners’ hearts in an instant! It’s a CUTIE STREET track released in May 2025.

In July, it was also put out as a double A-side single CD together with “Chikyuu Makeup Keikaku.” The song made its debut at their first one-man live in Osaka in March, accompanied by the members’ deadpan para-para dance, which became a hot topic.

With the pedal to the metal, the lyrics carry an impressively positive message.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants a boost to power through each day or needs a push to take on something new.

Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single Title Track “Blue Hawaii Lemon” [MV full]

This ≒JOY release is filled with bittersweet feelings, set to a sound as fresh as a breeze that heralds the arrival of summer.

Released in June 2025, it’s the group’s third single, with Reon Esumi as the center.

The lyrics, which liken summer romance to shaved ice, are absolutely adorable and make you feel like falling in love yourself.

It’s perfect as background music for making memories with friends and loved ones!

A devoted girl.Yuika

A single-minded girl. / 'Yuika' [MV]

This piece sets straightforward feelings of love to a bright band sound.

Released in April 2025 with Ryo Hanai handling the arrangement, it vividly captures a fresh page of youth.

Written back in high school, it carefully and realistically weaves words of inner conflict over unrequited love and unwavering devotion.

There’s plenty here that younger listeners will relate to.

If you’re in the middle of a one-sided crush, give it a listen!