Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
Listening to music can lighten your heart, make you feel happy, or even make you feel accepted just as you are… Surely you’ve had moments when you thought, “I’m so glad music exists!”
And when you’re worried about something, when something great happens, or when you want to celebrate someone, you probably look for just the right song.
Besides the favorite songs you always listen to, why not try some other wonderful tracks?
In this article, our editorial team has carefully selected songs we’d love to recommend to you as truly great tunes!
We hope you find the perfect song that suits you!
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- A song with gentle lyrics that warm the heart
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- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces that sing of love. Recommended popular songs.
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- [Carefully Selected] Popular Love Songs: Recommended Romance Tracks
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life. Tracks with relatable lyrics (411–420)
Dream with YouKubota Toshinobu
This is a captivating song with heartfelt lyrics and a warm melody.
Centered on themes of love, encouragement, and life, the lyrics resonate with listeners and give them courage.
Released in May 1993 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Chance!”, it captured the hearts of many.
Singing about the importance of pursuing your dreams and the strength to face hardships, this piece—combined with Toshinobu Kubota’s soulful vocals—gives listeners a gentle push forward.
It’s perfect for times when you’re feeling down or need to fire yourself up.
It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to take a new step.
1/6000000000Kyūshūdan
Kusuo is pronounced “Kusuo,” and as the name suggests, he’s a male singer-songwriter from Kyushu.
He made his major-label debut in 2008 with “1/6000000000,” a collaboration with C&K.
Although he’s a bona fide reggae singer—so dedicated he even went to Jamaica alone to train—the result here is an approachable track with a well-balanced blend of pop.
Beyond the timbreKitauji Karutetto
It’s a youth-evoking song that resonates with the heart.
The seamless blend of wind ensemble and pop creates an impressive sound that gently wraps the listener.
The lyrics depict how past experiences shape who we are now and the depth of bonds with friends—something many will likely relate to.
Since April 2024, it has been used as the ending theme for the TV anime Sound! Euphonium 3.
The vocals by the Kitauji Quartet further enhance the anime’s worldview.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to recall your school days or feel the strength of friendship.
Life’s Hana-musubi (Flower Knot)Kitagawa Daisuke
It’s a ballad woven with gentle words and deep affection.
Using the metaphor of a “flower knot,” it portrays the way life changes and how the bond between two people loosens and ties together again and again.
Daisuke Kitagawa’s rich vocals evoke the meaning of life and the connection with someone dear.
Released in January 2024, this song preserves the tradition of enka while embracing contemporary elements.
When you feel lost in life, or when your feelings for someone grow stronger, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.
Spring sceneryMinamino Yoko
It’s a gem of a song that captures a fleeting moment of youthful days.
With spring’s arrival comes the season of partings, and the delicate distance between a protagonist heading off to university and a lover who has been held back a year is portrayed with great subtlety.
Concrete imagery—like scenes along the Kobe Line and the station platform—stirs a sense of nostalgia.
Released in April 1986, this track is beloved by many as one of Yoko Minamino’s signature works.
Included on the album “Dear My Best,” it features a nostalgic melody reminiscent of the Carpenters.
It’s a comforting song I recommend to anyone facing both hope and anxiety about a new environment.
URLSakaguchi Ami
Singer-songwriter Anbo Sakaguchi, who aspired to be a musician in elementary school and even worked as a radio DJ in high school.
Her 6th single “URL,” chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Horimiya -piece-, is delightful with its cute vocals and pop ensemble.
The lyrics tell the story of wanting to be able to go see the person you like right away, a feeling that resonates even more strongly thanks to the instantly imaginable phrase “URL,” especially for younger generations.
It’s an emotional number that brilliantly contrasts a timeless, universal longing for love with contemporary imagery.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
A masterpiece with lyrics by Ryoko Moriyama and music by BEGIN.
Its gentle melody incorporates the feel of Okinawan folk music, and the more you listen, the more it soothes your heart.
It’s beloved as a classic graduation song, but the lyrics were reportedly written for Moriyama’s late brother.
“Nada Sousou” is said to mean tears falling one after another, and true to the name, it’s a quintessential tearjerker that moves you to tears.
