RAG MusicJunior
A wonderful classic

Mutual Love Songs: Recommended for Middle Schoolers! Popular Tracks that Portray Bittersweet Romance

That bittersweet love from our adolescent years often stays with us as a wonderful memory, etched deeply in our hearts even after we become adults.

Back in our school days, many of us probably listened to love songs, overlaying them with our own feelings and getting all fluttery, didn’t we?

This time, we’ve gathered a selection of popular Japanese love songs that portray romance—especially recommended mutual-love tracks for junior high school students.

Whether you’re right in the middle of your youth right now or at an age where you look back nostalgically on past romances, try finding songs that resonate with your own experiences.

Mutual Love Songs: Recommended for Middle Schoolers! Popular Tracks Depicting Sweet and Bittersweet Romance (31–40)

A 365-day love story.Sonar Pocket

This is a song by Sonar Pocket that gently warms the heart.

It reminds us that the irreplaceable days lovers spend together weave a cherished story one day at a time.

The sentiment expressed by member ko-dai—“Our everyday life together, through good times and bad, is our love story”—is deeply embedded in this work.

Released in October 2011, the track is also included on the album Sonapokeism ③ ~Kimi to no 365-nichi~ (365 Days with You).

It was also loved as the October ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking.” For two people who share mutual feelings, listening to it while holding onto their happy memories will surely deepen their sense of happiness even more.

Maiden in Loveikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Koisuru Otome” Music Video
Maiden in Loveikimonogakari

This is a popular song by Ikimono-gakari that gently portrays the delicate feelings of a young woman in love.

Emotions like longing for someone, shyness, anxiety, and joy—subtleties of romance—are carefully expressed.

Released in October 2006, the song was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV program “Ren’ai Bukatsu.” Yoshiki Mizuno, who wrote and composed the song, said it was “the first song I created with the idea that a girl would sing it,” and it became a turning point that broadened the band’s musical style.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love but also for anyone who wants to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has delivered a gem of a song that beautifully captures both the brilliance and the fragility of youth.

It delicately portrays the feelings of trying to embrace everyday anxieties, inner conflicts, and the pains of growth as cherished memories.

The song was also chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery” and won the 66th Japan Record Awards in December 2024, marking an unprecedented achievement of back-to-back wins for the band.

This heartwarming track offers empathy and encouragement to middle school students grappling with the uniquely turbulent emotions of adolescence and feelings of self-doubt.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look ahead.

Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – "Osaka LOVER"
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE

This is the 38th single, released in 2007.

It’s also famous as a song that members of Kanjani∞ often cite as a memorable favorite.

Even if the idea of a long-distance relationship doesn’t quite resonate with you yet, give it a listen.

It’s also recommended for those times when you and someone you love can’t meet, even though you both feel the same way.

SHEŌhashi Torio

It’s a beautiful love song released in 2017 that became a hot topic.

Some of you may have heard it in a beer commercial.

Its euphoric lyrics and harmonies—like happiness given form—are sure to move you.

Highly recommended for couples who are in love with each other.

Mutual Love Songs: Recommended for Middle Schoolers! Popular Tracks Depicting Bittersweet Romance (41–50)

Who is knocking on the door?Ozawa Kenji

Kenji Ozawa “Who Is Knocking on the Door?”
Who is knocking on the door?Ozawa Kenji

This is a single released in 1995 by Kenji Ozawa, known for his collaboration with SEKAI NO OWARI.

Even with the passage of time, the lyrics and sound—overflowing with the joy of mutual love—remain vibrant.

Be sure to also enjoy the illustrations by Kyoko Okazaki, the original creator of the live-action film Rivers Edge!

POWER OF LOVEJUDY AND MARY

Cloudy Star★ (elementary school band) “POWER OF LOVE” (cover of JUDY AND MARY)
POWER OF LOVEJUDY AND MARY

Do you know JUDY AND MARY, often hailed as the number one band people want to see reunite? This song is their debut single, released in 1993.

It’s a slightly bittersweet love ballad about being tired of chasing dreams and seeking help from the person you love who feels the same.

Give it a listen when both your hearts are weary!