A collection of romance-themed songs. Let’s listen to some Japanese love songs.

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.

Joined handsFunatsu Mahiro

Joined hands

This is a ballad by Masato Funatsu that gently weaves the warm happiness found in everyday life with an acoustic touch.

The song was written as a CM theme for the Shimane Denkō Group, centered on the theme of human connection.

Unchanging feelings that endure for decades and bonds that deepen when we join hands are expressed through vocals that slowly seep into the heart.

It’s a heartwarming love song that makes the ordinary days spent with someone special feel even more precious.

LOOK AT MENiziU

NiziU「LOOK AT ME」Image Video

NiziU is a nine-member girl group born from a Japan–Korea joint global audition project.

LOOK AT ME, included on their second album COCONUT, was selected as the theme song for the TV drama Turn to Me, Mukai-kun.

Its cute melodies and lyrics over a brisk beat have the power to spur on an unstoppable crush.

It’s a heartwarming pop tune that evokes time spent with someone you love and a shared future.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

VenusTele

Tele | Venus – Music Video

A sentimental song from Tele, the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, wrapped in a quintessential guitar-rock vibe.

The lyrics unfold like a story from start to finish, and as you listen, it almost feels like a drama playing out in your mind.

At the same time, there’s room throughout the lyrics for each listener to interpret them in their own way, so it can feel like a passionate love song or a bittersweet breakup song.

I encourage you to read the lyrics as you listen and see how the song resonates with you.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

ringoQin Moto Haku, Kusano Masamune

ringo

A collaboration between Motohiro Hata and Masamune Kusano that delivers captivating music while continually evolving in form.

This song portrays special encounters in everyday life and the feelings of romance.

Its gentle melody and memorable lyrics resonate deeply.

Released in November 2024, it is included on the album “HATA EXPO -The Collaboration Album-.” It also marks the realization of a collaboration with Spitz, whom Hata had admired since his teens.

Wrapped in warmth, the track adds a special touch of color to ordinary days.

It’s perfect for those heart-fluttering moments of falling in love, or for spending calm, cherished time with someone special.

Lovin’ SongSukima Suichi

Lovin’ Song

This song by Sukima Switch is a heartwarming love ballad that sings of boundless love.

The lyrics convey unstoppable feelings and the life-nurturing power of love, making you feel happy just by listening.

It’s also used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “Ossan’s Love – Returns,” and the music video includes a “pilgrimage to sacred sites” element that evokes iconic scenes from the show.

Released as a single CD in February 2024, it pairs with a sound reminiscent of the ’90s to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

It’s a track I especially recommend to those who want to cherish love-filled moments or are looking for a heartwarming melody.