[Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
The unique atmosphere of nighttime—something you don’t get in the morning or afternoon—somehow evokes a touch of wistfulness and loneliness, doesn’t it?
In this article, we’ll introduce classic and popular songs themed around “night,” perfect for those hours.
We’ve gathered tracks ideal for quiet nights, such as “songs you want to listen to alone at night” and “songs that evoke beautiful nighttime scenery.”
If you’re looking for music that matches night views for an evening walk, drive, or run, be sure to check these out.
From ballads that suit a relaxed night to dance tunes that make you want to move, we’ve got you covered—there’s sure to be a track you’ll want to play.
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[Night Songs] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (51–60)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band that has released numerous classics, known for their message-driven lyrics and a vocal style no one can imitate.
Their 15th single, “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni,” written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” is widely known across generations as one of the band’s signature songs.
Its lyrics painting a summer night sky and its lyrical melody evoke vivid scenes in your mind just by listening.
It’s a quintessential masterpiece of the 1990s, with a dramatic worldview that resonates deeply.
tropical nightTHE YELLOW MONKEY
The single Nettaiya, released in 1994, was a turning-point track for THE YELLOW MONKEY—the rock band affectionately known as “Iemon.” Up to that point their releases hadn’t sold well since their debut, and this is the song where they pivoted in earnest to aim for the charts.
It was used as the ending theme for the TBS variety show Tokoro-san no Wa-Wa-Bu-Bu.
Its hot rock sound evokes those stifling, sleepless nights—super cool—so be sure to give it a listen on a midsummer night!
tropical nightSHISHAMO
This song, which poignantly sings of a cute girl’s feelings, is “Nettaiya” (Tropical Night) by the girl band SHISHAMO.
It’s included on their 2016 album SHISHAMO 3.
The contrast between the mellow vocals and the crisp, funky guitar is wonderful.
It’s the perfect track for a summer night stroll.
Also pay attention to the lyrics—girls in love will find themselves saying, “I know exactly how that feels!”
My beloved, good night…B’z
B’z’s “Itoshii Hito yo Good Night…” holds a hidden popularity among fans as their first single with a ballad as the title track.
There’s also a behind-the-scenes story: it wasn’t originally planned to be released as a single, but after people involved with a TV drama liked it and chose it as the theme song, it was released.
Being a ballad, it’s perfect for relaxing to at night.
Because it’s a cold night…TRF
TRF, a dance and vocal group that dominated the 1990s, released the hit song “Because It’s a Cold Night…” in 1993.
This classic track helped the group, known for their dance tunes, gain a new fan base, and it reached No.
8 on the Oricon singles chart.
Tetsuya Komuro, who wrote and composed the song, is said to have created “Because It’s a Cold Night…” in just five minutes while riding his bicycle between his home and the studio in the cold.
Be sure to check out the music video too—it evokes a snowy night!