Bittersweet! Love songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation
In J-pop, love songs are timeless favorites across every era.
From tracks that evoke the sweet, bittersweet feelings of a first crush to songs that suggest a slightly dangerous kind of romance, these tunes resonate with listeners in all kinds of situations.
So this time, we’re introducing love songs by female artists that we recommend for the yutori generation.
They’re all classics, so we hope you’ll find a love song that suits you.
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Bittersweet! Love songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation (21–30)
BiryaniNogizaka 46
A song by Nogizaka46 released as their 40th single in November 2025.
It features 6th-generation members Shizuki Setoguchi and Moeka Yata as double centers.
The lyrics vividly capture the emotional wavering of young people mustering the courage to take a step forward in love.
Its upbeat, spicy dance-pop sound builds a sense of exhilaration.
It’s an energetic track that gives a push to anyone feeling the thrill of a new romance or gearing up to take on something new.
How to raise a mentally unstable person without failingHirate Yurina
This song shines with a unique concept that likens romance to a “cultivation manual.” Released in October 2025, it was selected as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Wataru-kun no XX ga Hōkai Sunzen.” It also marks Hirate’s first-ever anime tie-in.
Emotions like possessiveness and jealousy are portrayed humorously, as if in an instruction manual.
Over a pop sound, Hirate’s cool vocals ring out lightly, striking a perfect balance with the heavy theme of so-called “menhera.” Recommended for when you want to boost your romantic mood.
Peach-Colored Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya
Released in February 2002 as Aya Matsuura’s fifth single, this song was featured in Shiseido’s “Tissera Mune-Kyun Peach” commercial, which also drew attention for Matsuura’s own appearance.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, sold over 220,000 copies, and was included on the album T.W.O.
The lyrics liken the flutter of unrequited love to a peach-pink hue, and the bouncy melody that kicks off with a shouted call is instantly memorable—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for getting hyped at karaoke with friends after school or for those heart-pounding moments when you’re nursing a crush.
User ManualNishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s 27th single, used as the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine,” released in September 2015.
Its unique lyrics, which liken a woman’s delicate emotions to an instruction manual, became a hot topic and won the Grand Prize at the 57th Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics, where she introduces herself through the metaphor of a user manual, are both chuckle-worthy and heart-fluttering just by listening.
The song is included on her 6th album, “Just LOVE,” and has become a wedding staple.
It’s a perfect love song not only for those with a crush or in a relationship, but also for when you want to convey your feelings to your partner.
Venus beltaimyon
A song by Aimyon inspired by the faint pink band of light that appears on the opposite side of the sky just before sunrise and just after sunset.
Released in October 2025, it poignantly sings of lingering traces of past memories and emotions.
Its warm band sound delicately captures a wavering state of mind.
If you want to empathize with a bittersweet love, give it a listen—it’s sure to slip gently into your heart.
It feels like I’m in love.Yuika
A sweet yet heartrending love song whose wistful vocals and delicate piano melody resonate deeply.
She puts on a brave face in front of the one she loves, but in truth, she wants to share her feelings honestly—capturing the tender emotions of a girl in love with vivid freshness.
Released as a digital single in February 2024, the track was featured as an insert song on ABEMA’s romance reality show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2024 Winter,” further enriching the program’s world.
It’s a recommended song for those who carry feelings of love but struggle to be honest, and for anyone wanting to express their feelings to someone special.
summer festivalWhiteberry
A summer festival night spent with the person you like, dressed in a yukata.
You enjoyed goldfish scooping and cotton candy, yet felt the frustration of not being able to confess your feelings as you watched sparklers burn out.
Depicting a bittersweet youth anyone can relate to, this work is the third single by Whiteberry, released in August 2000.
Their reinterpretation of JITTERIN’JINN’s classic became a cover hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts and achieving an astonishing 630,000 sales.
It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fushigi na Hanashi” and earned them an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a quintessential summer number that touches the heart—perfect for dusk as summer draws to a close, or for reminiscing about your youth with friends.