Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

This song was released as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi of SMAP, and it became a huge hit.

The fact that Noriyuki Makihara wrote and composed it was also a hot topic.

It’s a comforting song that tells you it’s okay to be yourself and follow the path you believe in.

DEPARTURESglobe

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

globe is an artist that represents the ’90s and still enjoys enduring popularity.

This is their signature song, “DEPARTURES.” It’s also known as a classic winter song—just listening to it conjures up scenes of frosty breath and falling snow.

I think it’s the perfect example of how a great song, even if it’s old, resonates across generations.

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AliensKirinji

Kirinji – Aliens

This song, one of Kirinji’s signature tracks, was released in 2000 as their sixth single.

Yasuyuki Horigome, who wrote and composed it, said he wanted to create something that would fit the “non-culture” places that make up much of Japan.

threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

A single by Miyuki Nakajima released in 1992.

It has been covered by various artists and is popular across generations.

The accessible melody pairs with powerful lyrics.

The chorus doesn’t assert inevitability; it only presents a possibility—“maybe”—which is a characteristically profound touch of hers.

Thank youKozaka Tadashi

Thank you _ Haruomi Hosono & Chu Kosaka.mpg

This song was released in 1971 when Chu Kosaka made his debut as a solo artist.

Haruomi Hosono, who had worked with him during their April Fool band days, wrote both the lyrics and the music.

Many members of Happy End took part in the performance.

Various expressions of “thank you” to “you” resonate as they ride on the melody.

Jukebox SentimentalChekkāzu

Jukebox Sentimental

The Checkers burst onto the scene like a comet in the 1980s and became a social phenomenon.

They actually debuted as idols, but during their indie days they were a skilled band rooted in rockabilly and doo-wop.

This particular song is, amazingly, an a cappella doo-wop number.

Its beautiful choral work is deeply moving and resonates in the heart.

Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi - Fukuwarai

Yu Takahashi has many songs that give you the strength to keep going when times are tough and help you stay positive.

This track is exactly one of those: it conveys, in a straightforward way, that smiles are a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers.

The hope that one person’s smile will inspire another’s, creating a happy chain that spreads across the world, really resonates.

Released in February 2011 as Takahashi’s third single, this song became widely loved as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “TOKYO HEART.” For some reason, Yu Takahashi’s music brings a deep sense of reassurance—it makes you feel like you have an unfailing ally.

Listening to it gives you that comforting feeling, like a dose of nourishment for the heart—an empowering number.