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

I want to hug you.NEW!Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

A classic Mr.Children ballad you’ll want to listen to on nights when your heart overflows with love for someone you truly cherish.

It’s said to have been originally written for a friend’s wedding, and its warmth makes it perfect for special occasions.

Released in December 1992 as their second single, it also appears on the album “Kind of Love,” which came out the same day.

It was used as an insert song in the final episode of the 1996 drama “Pure,” heightening the story’s emotional impact.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s wistful yet powerful vocals deliver a straightforward, pure wish—to simply protect the one you love.

Give it a listen during the winter chill or in moments when your feelings for someone special grow stronger.

I hope I can be your lover.NEW!Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [I Hope I Can Be Your Lover] Music Video

Kaneyori Masaru is a girls’ band that resonates with relatable, true-to-life lyrics capturing everyday moments.

This work of theirs is a love song that straightforwardly conveys the swelling feelings for someone you like and the frustrating inability to take that one last step.

Even when you know it might be a love that won’t come true, the aching wish to share a future with them tightens the hearts of anyone nursing a crush.

It’s included on the mini-album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” released in January 2025, and was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Yoyogi Johnny’s Melancholy After School.” Riding on a driving band sound, Chitose Mina’s emotionally rich vocals ring out in this track.

Let this message gently give a push to a heart that’s grown timid about love.

Is that okay?NEW!RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is It Okay? [Official Music Video]

This RADWIMPS track sets disarmingly straightforward expressions of love—and the jittery feeling that comes from being “too happy”—to a buoyant rhythm.

It’s one of the band’s signature songs, turning live venues into a sea of handclaps and singalongs.

The lyric asking “Is it okay to be this happy?” perfectly captures the joy and gratitude of meeting someone precious.

Though included on the December 2006 album RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~, it also carries a fiery backstory: the original MV shoot was grueling due to rain and cold, prompting a “revenge” reshoot about ten years later in 2017.

It’s a song that makes you want to say “thank you” to the irreplaceable people in your life—be it a partner, family, or best friend.

Like a warm meal, it’s a classic that soaks into the heart.

Maiden in LoveNEW!ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Koisuru Otome” Music Video

This is one of Ikimonogakari’s early signature ballads, expressing the swells and shifts of being in love with heartfelt directness.

Carried by a melody that blends warmth with wistfulness, it sings of the miracle of meeting someone precious and the pure heart that thinks of them.

As you listen, you may find yourself recalling someone irreplaceable, feeling your chest tighten with emotion.

Released as a single in October 2006, it was used at the time as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Ren’ai Bukatsu (Love-Katsu).” Beloved ever since, it’s recently drawn attention again as the CM song for the wedding information service “Zexy” starting in March 2025.

It’s also included on albums such as “Sakura Saku Machi Monogatari,” and its charm lies in how it’s been passed down in various arrangements.

Portraying a steadfast, single-minded love, this song is perfect not only for those with unrequited feelings but also for moments when you want to express gratitude to a partner.

It’s a popular choice at weddings, making it a wonderful tune to accompany life’s happiest moments!

mysteryNEW!Hoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Fushigi (Official Video)

It’s a warm number that gently embraces those indescribable feelings that arise between people you hold dear.

Have you ever felt that inexplicable sense of “Why do I love this person?”—not just the thrill of romance, but the unexplainable emotion that surfaces as two people meet and build a relationship? Gen Hoshino delicately captures those mysterious, cherished feelings with a sound that fits right into everyday life.

Written in April 2021 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte,” the track was also included on the single “Fushigi/Souzou,” released in June of the same year.

It’s a recommended song for those moments when you suddenly feel like expressing gratitude to an irreplaceable presence by your side, whether a partner or a friend.

Baby, I love youNEW!TEE

TEE – Baby, I Love You

A signature love ballad by TEE, whose lyrics convey love straightforwardly, albeit clumsily, and resonate deeply.

Released as a single in October 2010, it was also beloved as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

Its heartfelt plea of “I just want you by my side” and its warm message that makes you feel the happiness of everyday life are enough to make your heart swell just by listening.

It later drew attention when covered by Che’Nelle, and it has continued to be cherished as a classic song often played at weddings and proposals.

I think it’s a masterpiece that’s perfect for moments when you want to express gratitude you can’t usually put into words to your precious partner, or to celebrate an irreplaceable encounter.

This work is filled with the pure feelings of a clumsy man—be sure to listen to it together with someone special.

A bouquet with loveNEW!Superfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

It’s a love song that reminds us that the everyday scenes we share are more precious than any flashy production.

Lyrics that liken gratitude and unwavering love for a partner to a bouquet ride on Shiho Ochi’s powerful yet warm vocals and reach the heart.

Released in February 2008 as the fourth single, the song drew major attention as the theme for the drama “Edison no Haha.” It’s also included on the classic album “Superfly,” and has now become indispensable as a staple for weddings and anniversaries.

Perfect for those thinking about a White Day gift or wanting to convey their feelings to someone special.

If saying “thank you” in words feels a bit embarrassing, why not send that feeling along with this song?