Great songs recommended for men. Masterpieces and popular Japanese songs that resonate with the heart.

The Day of Beginningsiri

iri – The Day of Beginning (Music Video)

iri, known for her cool sound rooted in alternative R&B and hip-hop, is a popular artist.

The title track of her EP released in March 2021, “Hajimari no Hi” (“The Day It Begins”), is a moving mid-tempo number that deeply resonates with the season of farewells and new encounters.

The song is also known for being selected as J-WAVE’s spring project song.

While carrying the sense of loss that comes with parting from someone important, it embraces the beginning of a new season that arrives nonetheless.

iri’s husky, warm vocals wrap these bittersweet yet hope-filled emotions.

It’s a wonderful track that will stay close to your everyday life!

freedomtofubeats

tofubeats – Freedom

Created by tofubeats, a Kobe-born music producer highly trusted by fellow musicians, this piece gently lightens the heart.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the short film “Mukachi no Kachika” and was released in May 2023.

Its comfortable beat and transparent sound foster a gentle mood, and the message in the lyrics—“It’s okay to be more free”—helps release the heart from everyday constraints.

It’s a work that gives you the courage to take a step forward.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN’s seventh single, released in May 2008, became a massive hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES.” It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in its first week and ranked fourth on the 2008 year-end chart.

In 2009, it also achieved the remarkable feat of being recognized by Guinness World Records.

The lyrics portray a vow of everlasting love, intertwining the miracle of the two meeting with the path they have walked so far.

The straightforward words conveying ever-deepening affection resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect song for looking back on memories with a loved one or finding the courage to step into the future.

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

This song portrays feelings for a loved one who has been lost, likening them to the bitterness of a lemon.

Its lyrics, where the pain of never meeting again intersects with the warm memories that still remain in the heart, strike listeners deeply.

Kenshi Yonezu created it based on his own experience of losing his grandfather, and that earnest emotion permeates the entire piece.

Released in March 2018 as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural,” it spent a total of seven weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

At the 69th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, he performed it via live broadcast from his hometown in Tokushima Prefecture, moving many viewers to tears.

It is a quiet companion for those who have lost someone precious or who wish to face the farewells that inevitably come someday.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

This work, in which Masaki Suda—active as an actor—sings a song by Kenshi Yonezu, was released as a digital single in May 2019.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” it garnered enormous attention, winning 32 awards.

It tells the story of a protagonist who once felt like a mistake, but finds the meaning of life through meeting someone precious—deeply resonating with those who struggle with self-denial.

A fated love so powerful that questions of right or wrong cease to matter is conveyed through Masaki Suda’s strong, straightforward vocals, stirring the heart with every listen.

It is one of his signature tracks, also included on the album “LOVE.”

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A tear-jerking rock ballad that sings a vow of eternal love: “No matter where you are, I’ll always be by your side.” One of ONE OK ROCK’s signature songs, included on their 2010 album Niche Syndrome.

It was featured in NTT Docomo’s 2015 commercial “Family,” and ranked No.

1 for songs used at weddings for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone important, especially if you’re not great at expressing your love straightforwardly.

TO-GET-HERSALU

SALU – TO-GET-HER (Official Lyric Video)

It’s a song that powerfully conveys a single-minded devotion to a loved one and a deep desire to stay by their side forever.

Created by SALU, an artist who delivers a wide range of music grounded in hip-hop, it was released in May 2021 as the conclusion to a trilogy.

The lyrics express the message that a selfless willingness to do everything for the other person is what truly means “being together.” Its warm affection is truly moving.

It’s a track that stays close to you in those moments when your heart is filled to the brim with tenderness.