Masterpieces that sing of love. Recommended popular songs.

Hide-and-seekYuuri

Yuuri “Kakurenbo” Official Music Video

A poignant ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in lover to the children’s game of hide-and-seek.

Through images of a tumbler left behind and a messy room, it vividly portrays a man’s heart steeped in emptiness and loneliness.

Yuuri’s delicate vocals, paired with a simple, guitar-centered arrangement, superbly convey the pain of heartbreak.

Released in December 2019, the recording was supervised by Hiro of MY FIRST STORY.

The music video, directed by Elizabeth Miyaji and featuring actress Yuu Kinoyama, further deepens the work’s world.

It is a gem of a love song that closely resonates with those who have just experienced a breakup or who still harbor longing for someone dear.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

dearestFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.

While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.

The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.

As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.

Absolute relationshipakai kouen

Akaiko-en – Absolute Relationship (MV Full Ver.) [Theme Song for Fuji TV Saturday Drama “Lost Days”]

This piece condenses the subtle distance and complexity of human relationships into just 100 seconds.

The edgy sound of Akai Ko-en blends beautifully with lyrics that portray a sincere desire to understand the other person.

Despite its brevity, the song’s structure leaves a powerful impression, and Yosaki Tsuno’s sharp insight shines throughout.

Released as a single in March 2014, it was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Saturday drama “Lost Days,” which began airing in January of the same year, and it reached a personal best of No.

20 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It’s a heartwarming song that stands by anyone struggling with relationships that don’t go as planned.

Fuzzy NavelConton Candy

Conton Candy – Fuzzy Navel [Official Video]

It’s a pleasant track where the warm, bittersweet mood melts together, imbued with the sweet scent of oranges.

It elegantly portrays the sweet, bitter, and aching emotions born from love by likening them to the taste of a cocktail.

While the melody feels refreshing, it’s quintessentially Conton Candy in the way it sings of the complexities of a loving heart.

Released in April 2023, this work is slated to be included on the album “melt pop,” scheduled for release in 2024.

The lyrics beautifully balance a sweet, love-song ambiance with a mature, narrative quality.

With a nostalgic atmosphere and an addictive melody, it also trended on social media.

Loverssumika

sumika / Lovers【Music Video】

This is a masterpiece whose psychological portrayal—taking a step back to reexamine your relationship with someone you love—strikes a chord.

Addictive songs often hide striking phrases and melodies, and this track is no exception; it’s a fan favorite that sparks massive sing-alongs at live shows.

Released as a single in March 2016, it captured many hearts as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Tokukai TV Sukatto Japan,” specifically the “Mune-kyun Sukatto” segment.

It’s the perfect song for those struggling with the distance in a loving relationship or wanting to reaffirm their trust and affection for their partner.

Be sure to lend an ear to the lyrics, where sumika’s keen insight truly shines.

End the worldHarukamirai

Harukamirai – End the World (Official Video)

It’s a striking love song that poignantly portrays parting from a loved one.

While holding tender feelings, it powerfully conveys the pain of not being able to be together through the energetic sound of punk rock.

Intertwining single-minded devotion with intense emotion, this piece reaches deep into the listener’s heart, singing of a love so strong that one could wish for “the world to end” if it meant being with the other person.

Released as a single in October 2018 by the indie label THE NINTH APOLLO, it was included the following year on the album Eternal Flower.

The song was also added to the setlist for the Heaven and Hell Tour, which began in February 2019, and was performed with heartfelt passion alongside its grand melody.

It’s a wonderful track from Harukamirai for those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, or for anyone who finds it hard to clearly express their feelings to someone important.