[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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[Song of the Night] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (81–90)
AliensKirinji
It’s a captivating song that pairs an urban melody resonating like it nestles into the stillness of night with poetic depictions of suburban scenery.
Using the word “alien” to express a sense of social alienation, it delicately weaves the pure love of two lonely people.
Released as a single by Kirinji in October 2000 and later included on the album “3,” the song was featured in a LINE Mobile commercial in 2017 and as an insert song in an NHK BS Premium drama in 2018, winning the hearts of many.
It’s a track that lingers—one that accompanies late-night drives or unhurried moments in a bar lounge, soaking into the hearts of adults.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.
Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.
The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.
Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart.
It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.
Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.
A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.
On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.
Burning Friday NightLucky Kilimanjaro
A song that paints a nighttime scene of sharing whisky and loneliness has been released by Lucky Kilimanjaro.
It features an upbeat rhythm inspired by 80s city pop and disco, with glossy, synth-driven textures that leave a strong impression.
The lyrics carefully depict the Friday-night mix of exhilaration and solitude, along with the longing for human connection.
Included on their first mini-album, FULLCOLOR, released in July 2015, the track resurfaced on social media in 2023, garnering renewed attention and surpassing 10 million streams as a revival hit.
It’s perfect as background music for settings with a mature vibe, like nighttime drives or bars.
For those carrying loneliness yet striving to look ahead, it’s sure to be a song that stays close to the heart.
Wonderlandiri
A masterpiece depicting the heart of someone striving to find light within deep darkness has arrived from iri.
Set to a luscious melody steeped in R&B and soul, it tenderly envelops the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life while powerfully singing of the will to move toward the light.
Included on the album “Private,” this track has continued to soothe countless listeners since its release in March 2023.
It’s a warm song that keeps you company on late-night drives or in moments when you want to cherish time alone.
iri’s gentle yet resolute voice is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of those who listen.
I want to see you.iri
This is a popular song by iri that captures the bittersweet emotions of late nights.
Featured on the EP “life ep,” released in November 2017, the track blends R&B and hip-hop within a smoky atmosphere to create a unique soundscape.
Written in the middle of the night, it portrays lingering attachment and longing for a lover, shaded by complex, hard-to-unravel feelings.
mabanua’s sophisticated arrangement pairs perfectly with iri’s soulful, reverb-laden vocals, resulting in a mature and sensual finish.
It’s a memorable piece you’ll want to play on a nighttime drive or during special moments with someone important.
Blues Until MorningKimyō Reitarō
This song paints a scene of a night shrouded in deep darkness.
Reitaro Strange’s distinctive vocals gently envelop feelings of loneliness and uncertainty.
Written and composed by Naohisa Hayase, it carries a bluesy atmosphere, marked by a calm yet resonant melody.
Digitally released in October 2024, the track also serves as the theme song for Teppei Isobe’s film “Yoru no Manimani.” Its lyrics, hinting at hope, soothe the heart as they accompany the coming-of-age love story.
When you want to face yourself in the quiet of the night, give this song a listen.
[Songs of the Night] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at night (91–100)
RendezvousNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of lovers nestled together on a quiet night.
Nissy’s sweet, whisper-like vocals and lush tone vividly set the nighttime mood.
It’s a superb medium-tempo number that expresses the desire to cherish their special time alone and the wish for that moment to last forever, all wrapped in a mellow sound.
Released in July 2023, the track is also included on the album HOCUS POCUS 4, and together with the visual beauty of the performance, it has captivated many hearts.
It’s an exceptional song brimming with a mature atmosphere.