[Carefully Selected] Popular Love Songs: Recommended Romance Tracks

Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru

Love Memory

This is a gem of a love ballad sung by Shigeru Matsuzaki.

The lyrics, celebrating deep affection and the joy of life, overflow with a pure vow of eternal love.

Released in August 1977, it became a major talking point as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate, starring Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi in the commercial.

That same year, Matsuzaki made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the following year the song was selected as the entrance march for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on those irreplaceable memories of love that everyone experiences at least once.

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.

This is loveMirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “This is love”

An emotional love song that conveys feelings of love straight and true.

The lyrics carefully depict the real emotions of a relationship—moments of miscommunication and anxiety—evoking both poignancy and warmth at the same time.

Layered over a sound that fuses R&B and pop, Mirei Toyama’s expressive vocals create a moving finish that resonates with the heart.

Chosen as the theme song for a popular romance drama, it makes the most touching scenes even more memorable.

Give it a listen when you want to reaffirm your feelings for your partner or someone special.

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.

aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Wishful Longing (Inspire Movie for the film “If Only I Could Meet You Again at the Hill Where That Flower Blooms”) *NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen performance song

Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter who also exudes a top-tier presence as an actor, gaining popularity through the gap between his cool looks and cute personality.

His 9th digital single, “Sobo,” is a ballad written as the theme song for the film “My Happy Marriage at the Hill Where the Flowers Bloomed” (Ano Hana ga Saku Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaetara).

The lyrics evoke scenes of two people drawn to each other yet torn apart by cruel circumstances, conjuring an image of an era when people staked their very lives on love—leaving the heart aching.

It’s a moving song that portrays the preciousness and fragility of life and feelings.

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Hoshino Takashi

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An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

Hata Motohiro’s warm, tender voice weaves together feelings for someone precious.

This gem of a ballad delicately portrays a love that deepens with time, expressing ever-changing shades of affection through its poignant melody.

Released as the theme song for the film “A Love Letter on the 35th Year,” it was distributed digitally in February 2025, followed by a limited-edition CD single with Blu-ray in March.

The bonus video content, including three tracks such as the live performance “Raspberry Lover,” is also compelling.

It’s a song best enjoyed during calm moments—on a quiet walk home from work, or on a peaceful day spent thinking of someone dear.