Masterpieces that sing of love. Recommended popular songs.

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.

Sayonara, baby.Kato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Sayonara Baby'

This is a bittersweet love song about a heart swaying between true feelings and outward appearances.

She wants to believe his words, yet deep down she doubts them, and still can’t bring herself to end things… You can sense her wavering emotions in the chorus’s back-and-forth between the man and woman.

The track is a work by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, released in September 2008 as her 13th single.

Its arrangement is striking, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a danceable four-on-the-floor sound.

The song is also included on the acclaimed album “Ring.” When you’re unsure of the other person’s feelings and don’t know what to do, listening to this might resonate with your complicated state of mind.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

The golden duo representing the J-POP scene, Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, have an unmissable duet song.

While celebrating the joy of meeting, its lyrics occasionally hint at an inevitable end, making it achingly bittersweet and tightening your chest.

Told from both of their perspectives, it’s a track that powerfully conveys gratitude toward the person who saved them from lonely days.

Released in May 2009 as a single by Miliyah Kato and included on the classic album “Ring,” the song became hugely popular, with its music video winning an award at MTV VMAJ 2010.

The section in the latter half where their harmonies intertwine is a must-hear.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for nights when you want to bask in the beautiful memories and bittersweetness of love.

A life-sized love songAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

The powerful singing voice of Futoshi, the vocalist of Aqua Timez, resonates deep in my heart.

The lyrics are ones many Japanese men can relate to—manly words that express love through actions rather than words.

Even women who actually want it to be put into words will have their hearts stolen when they hear this.

dearestKOH+

PV KOH Beloved 2008-10-01

This is a song about falling in love with someone you admire.

You want to do anything you can for them without expecting anything in return.

Even if the feelings aren’t mutual, you still want to stay connected to the person you love.

It sings about the ultimate form of love—wishing for their happiness even if it means sacrificing yourself.

Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko

Aya Hirano in Springs (unit name undecided) “Embraced by the Wintry Wind” [PV] (2003-02-26)

It’s a story that falls into love from the very first lines of the song, and I think it captures a maiden’s heart beautifully.

It tells of unrequited love that goes unnoticed by the other person, yet also teaches that lovers, too, will one day have their hearts wounded and come to understand what it means to love someone.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

A heartwarming love song that gently embraces the bittersweetness of a long-distance relationship.

The lyrics, which depict a small love reaching its special someone with certainty amid the vastness of the universe, resonate with many listeners.

Included on the album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, it was never put out as a single, yet it has been cherished for many years.

In 2019, it was also used as a featured song in a film, gaining popularity across generations.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to recall the sweetness of first love or convey your feelings to someone important.

It’s also a popular karaoke choice, so consider adding it to your repertoire.