[Carefully Selected] Popular Love Songs: Recommended Romance Tracks

About the two of uskarin

Karin “About the Two of Us” [MV]

Singer-songwriter Karin, who gained attention from her piano-and-vocal videos on TikTok.

Released in March 2023, this song portrays lovers facing a farewell at a quiet bus stop.

Though they speak different languages and grew up in different environments, they spent their days laughing at the same things and crying over the same things.

In lyrics that gently trace the overlapping of their hearts, a form of love that transcends gender and nationality comes into view.

It’s a song that resonates with the determination to keep believing in each other, even when distance keeps them apart and they can’t meet when they want to.

Dream of the Trifoliate OrangeŌhashi Torio

Ohashi Trio / Karatachi no Yume (Music Video)

A number by Ohashi Trio that drew attention as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series What Did You Eat Yesterday? Season 2.

Released as an EP in November 2023, this song features a light acoustic sound and a warm, country-tinged feel that resonates pleasantly.

The drama carefully portrays the everyday life of a same-sex couple, and this track, aligning with that worldview, sings about the irreplaceable value of living fully in the present moment.

When you find yourself cherishing ordinary time with someone dear, or wanting to feel grateful for daily life, give it a listen.

Without youAYANE

AYANE / Without You (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter AYANE, whose down-to-earth songs rooted in hip-hop and R&B have won strong support from many listeners.

Her digital single “Kimi ga Inai to,” released in November 2025, portrays a dependent kind of love where overwhelming feelings for the other person make you lose sight of yourself.

Lyrics that trace the anxiety of time spent apart and the conflict of being unable to end the relationship, paired with a mid-tempo mellow sound, hit you right in the heart.

It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful R&B number you’ll want to play on nights spent struggling with unrequited love.

Imdodo

dodo – im

This track became a viral hit thanks to TikTok, surpassing 15 million plays.

Released by dodo in September 2019, it’s a love song that recounts memories of a past relationship in simple, unadorned words.

It portrays the bittersweet feeling of visiting places once shared as a couple, now alone, conjuring the other’s face, and the realization that the destination never mattered—as long as “you” were there—expressed through a mellow track and chill flow.

Its airy sound and romantic lyrics are irresistibly pleasant, and the song’s success prompted dodo to decide to pursue music full-time.

A 7-inch vinyl edition followed in September 2024.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to revisit the sweet-and-sour memories of love.

Bedtime Candy No. 2Kubota Kai

[MV] Kubota Kai / Bedtime Candy No. 2

A mellow hip-hop number that portrays the complex mix of sweetness and self-loathing felt by a young man who ends up spending the night with the person he secretly liked.

It’s the lead track from Miyazaki-born Kubota Kai’s 2019 EP “Myōjō,” and its appeal lies in its literary lyrics—quoting poet Chuya Nakahara—and its urban, R&B-tinged production.

From the late-night push and pull to the emptiness of the morning after, the song unfolds with detailed scenes that pierce the heart with an unvarnished take on love.

The flow that moves between rapping and singing is addictive, making it a track you’ll want to listen to while wandering through the city at night.

absorbed; engrossed; infatuated; crazy aboutBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Muchuu -Recording Video- (Theme song for Fuji TV Thursday Drama 'Calm by the Waves, A Married Couple's Fine Day')

Many listeners are likely captivated by love songs that sing of straightforward, earnest romance, even if a little clumsy.

This track by BE:FIRST is exactly that kind of song.

Its gospel-tinged sound is soothing and warms the heart just by listening.

The song serves as the theme for the drama “Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori,” set in the Showa era and depicting the sweet, slightly bittersweet everyday life of a newlywed couple.

It portrays a deep affection that needs no words to be understood, and a tenderness so strong you want to call your partner’s name over and over—feelings many will relate to.

The song is included on the single “GRIT,” released in May 2025.

It’s a love song brimming with happiness that reminds you of how precious your loved one is.

Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

This is ILLIT’s first original Japanese song, following the worldwide success of their debut single “Magnetic,” which also earned them the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards at the end of 2024.

The track was co-produced by Nakajin from SEKAI NO OWARI and Pdogg, and likens the multifaceted nature of love to a confection with a sweet exterior and a bittersweet center.

The lyrics compare overflowing feelings of affection to going over capacity, while the sparkling pop sound makes your heart flutter.

It also serves as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall for Looks Alone,” set to be released in March 2025, perfectly matching the movie’s world.

It’s an exceptionally sweet love song that’s perfect for anyone feeling the excitement of unrequited love or the tender affection for their favorite idol.