[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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Songs of the Night: Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to enjoy during nighttime (21–30)
Midnight NightingaleTakeuchi Mariya
Beginning with birdsong and the gentle strum of a guitar echoing through the night’s silence, this piece is a ballad that blends tenderness with a touch of sorrow.
It conveys both the resolve to stay close to someone precious even in the darkest night and a warmth that seems to envelop loneliness.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Shiroi Kage,” it was released as a single in February 2001.
It is also included on the album “Bon Appetit!,” and shines with the meticulously crafted sound produced and arranged by Tatsuro Yamashita.
Give it a listen when you find yourself longing for someone’s warmth on a sleepless night, or when you want to calm your heart at the end of the day.
Mariya Takeuchi’s rich vocals are sure to gently soothe anxious feelings.
Stop this nightJUJU
“Please Stop This Night” is JUJU’s 15th single, released in 2010.
It was selected as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Guilty: Akuma to Keiyaku Shita Onna” and reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics, which convey the anguished cry of a woman hurt by her relationship, are painfully affecting when you listen.
It’s an R&B-tinged ballad centered on piano, and its wistful chord progression makes the sound a perfect fit for a quiet night.
[Songs of the Night] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (31–40)
It’s because I listened to Bach’s melody at night.Sakanakushon
“It’s Because I Listened to Bach’s Melody at Night” is a bright, buoyant four-on-the-floor track that makes you want to dance.
It’s incredibly addictive and sticks in your head after just one listen.
It reportedly features a phrase from Bach’s harpsichord concerto.
Since many of Sakanaction’s songs are about the night, I think it’s perfect to accompany a nighttime drive.
Dancer in the NightSakanakushon
Sakanaction has become hugely popular as a band with stylish, sophisticated musicality.
Among their songs, “Yoru no Odoriko” is especially popular as a track themed around the night.
As you can tell from its abbreviated nickname “YNO,” it carries a slightly nostalgic sound that shows the influence of YMO—one of its key charms.
The music video, said to have been filmed at the foot of Mt.
Fuji, is also a must-see.
Midnight TrendySnow Man
A track that conjures up an adult scene: a late-night drive awash in glittering neon.
Performed by the nine-member idol group Snow Man, this song is included on their album “Snow Labo.
S2,” released in September 2022.
Its trendy sound evokes the ‘80s and ‘90s, paired with lyrics that hint at the impending end of a bittersweet romance—an impression that lingers.
From lyrics and composition to arrangement, Kinami Umi handled it all, infusing the entire piece with a cohesive aesthetic.
In live performances, the group has delivered a standout routine using stand microphones, and their sultry presence became a hot topic.
It’s perfect for quiet nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, or for long evenings when you want to forget the city’s clamor and relax.
Surrender yourself to its retro, metropolitan tones.
August NightSilent Siren
If you’re looking for a poppy, fun night-time song, I recommend Silent Siren’s “Hachigatsu no Yoru” (“August Night”).
As a girl band track, its cute, upbeat sound is really appealing.
At the same time, since it’s themed around the night, it has a slight touch of melancholy that becomes quite addictive.
Give it a listen when you want to have a good time even after dark.
Ti AmoEXILE
EXILE’s “Ti Amo” is a single released in 2008.
The song conveys the feelings of a woman who appears to be involved in an affair, singing about a man who isn’t by her side on Sunday nights.
You can feel the painful, heartrending emotion of being left alone at night as he returns home on Sundays.