Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs
I’ve put together a playlist of moody Japanese songs—popular hits, timeless classics, and hidden gems—perfect for twilight or nighttime, when you want to savor some grown-up time.
It’s great for relaxing alone, or for listening quietly with your spouse, partner, or someone special.
Enjoy a wonderful time.
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Moody Japanese classics: Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko
It’s the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso.
Tokiko Kato’s husky voice is cool and stylish.
She also sings the movie’s main theme, “Le temps des cerises,” which is a French chanson, so it has a slightly different but equally wonderful feel.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Atsushi Terao’s uniquely nasal singing voice is sexy, and the nonchalant way he sings is incredibly cool.
His sunglasses are great, too.
“Ruby no Yubiwa” was composed by Terao himself.
The idea of giving a ruby ring, a birthstone, is brimming with a sultry vibe that hints at a mature romance.
Moody Japanese Classics: Recommended Popular Songs (31–40)
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
I’m smitten from the intro.
And on top of that, there’s Akira Fuse’s looks.
He’s known for his clear, expansive voice and powerful vocal projection.
This song was released in 1975, with lyrics and music by Kei Ogura.
His vocals back then were wonderful, but Fuse’s voice as he’s aged has gained a rugged richness that’s deeply compelling.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
The song itself is great, of course, but Julie—Kenji Sawada—just oozes sex appeal.
He had legions of passionate female fans.
I’ve never seen anyone wear a hat tilted that far to the side and make it look so good.
And his singing more than matches his sexy looks—his vibrato is on point and it’s absolutely wonderful.
Midnight PretendersAran Tomoko
A city pop classic by Tomoko Aran that gained global reappraisal after being sampled by The Weeknd.
As a founding member of Being, Aran weaves delicate lyrics that meld exquisitely with a melody crafted by Tetsuro Oda.
The gently drifting synthesizers and smooth, subdued bass line evoke both the glitter of the city at night and the loneliness that lurks beneath it.
Though the lovers know it’s a “deceptive affair,” a series of secret trysts, they surrender themselves to those fleeting moments—an unstable passion that tightens the listener’s chest.
It’s a timeless track whose undimmed brilliance makes its enduring love easy to understand.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
This is one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs.
The opening lyrics are very famous.
It’s a wonderful piece where the contrast between the male-perspective lyrics of a ‘man’s song’ and Yashiro’s gentle aura really shines.
Listening to this track puts me in a New Year’s Eve mood.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
Weren’t you shocked the first time you listened to this song? I heard that Hikaru Utada, who sings it, was 15 years old when it was released.
What kind of experiences could one have in just 15 years of life to be able to write a song like this? Besides this track, I also really love songs like “Hanataba wo Kimi ni.”