[Carefully Selected] Popular Love Songs: Recommended Romance Tracks

AutomaticUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

A towering masterpiece of ’90s J-pop that vividly captures the instant when romantic feelings rise up unconsciously.

Crafted with an R&B flair by a 15-year-old Hikaru Utada, the song delicately expresses the shifting distance and tremors of the heart between two people.

A young talent portrays the complexities of love from a unique perspective.

Released in December 1998, the debut single became an instant smash, selling an astonishing 2.55 million copies.

It also dramatically raised expectations for the album First Love.

Winner of the JASRAC Gold Award, it earned outstanding critical acclaim.

A perfect classic for anyone who wants to relive the flutter of first love or reexperience the brilliance of ’90s J-pop.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A romantic ballad by Hikaru Utada that carries tender, bittersweet feelings of love and the pure pain of parting on gentle vocals and a beautiful piano melody.

Released to the world in 1999 as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa, the song was included on the album “First Love” and achieved an astonishing sales figure of over eight million copies.

The young Utada’s portrait of a first breakup and the lingering emotions that follow continues to move many hearts as a universal feeling everyone experiences.

Recommended for those who have known fateful meetings and farewells, or who wish to reminisce about their first love.

bouquetieiri reo

Leo Ieiri – “Bouquet” (Full ver.)

A heartwarming love song that delivers gratitude bundled like a bouquet of flowers.

Leo Ieiri’s powerful yet clear voice gently wraps around feelings for someone special.

Featured on her best-of album “10th Anniversary Best,” this track expresses appreciation to her fans.

Released in February 2022, it stands as the culmination of Leo Ieiri’s first decade of work.

It’s a perfect song to color special moments with loved ones—like during a wedding photo round.

Also recommended when you want to express everyday gratitude or deepen bonds with someone important.

CalendarKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Calendar [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A love song by Takaya Kawasaki, marked by his expansive, rich vocals.

The lyrics are carefully woven to remind us that the days spent with someone you love may not be extraordinary, but they are irreplaceable and precious.

The straightforward words, like snapshots of everyday life, are deeply relatable.

His gentle husky voice, beautiful vibrato, and powerful singing are truly overwhelming.

It’s a love song recommended for times when you want to feel the comfort of romantic emotions and be wrapped in modest happiness.

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They are lovers.Moritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka “We Are Lovers” (PV)

It was released in 1995 as Chisato Moritaka’s 25th single.

The song was put out as an advance single from the best-of album “DO THE BEST,” and it was used as the theme song for the drama “Koi mo Nidome Nara” (If It’s Love the Second Time).

The lyrics express a woman’s feelings: while she’s dissatisfied with how her boyfriend is now compared to when they first met, she still loves him very much.

Only oneYano Akiko

Only one

It’s a love song that feels like you’re speaking to someone dear to you.

Although it’s one of Akiko Yano’s signature songs, it was originally written for Agnes Chan and later self-covered on the album “Gohan ga Dekitayo.” The song also drew attention when she performed it as a duet with Kiyoshiro Imawano on the album “Hajimete no Yano Akiko.”

Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

This song delicately portrays the end of a bittersweet romance and lingering feelings, featuring a beautiful piano melody and emotional vocals that leave a strong impression.

Included on the May 2019 mini-album “A View on Lambda” by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai (God Does Not Roll Dice), the track is crafted into a moving piece that carries a sweet, heartrending afterglow while exuding a mature allure.

In August 2020, the music video was released, with actor Keisuke Watanabe’s performance adding deeper color to the story.

It’s perfect as background music for a night drive or quiet moments with someone special.

Highly recommended for those seeking gently resonant music that preserves a moody atmosphere.