[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)
Knight Riderichou BOYZ
A track released in 2007 by Ging Nang Boyz, the band fronted by Kazunobu Mineta, who is now also active as an actor.
It’s a hidden gem that opens with an A-melody showcasing the essence of his singing—once labeled “so-bad-it’s-good”—paired with earnest, romantic lyrics that slip straight into your heart.
The contrast between that voice and the impossibly beautiful melody is striking, making it a song you’ll want to listen to while imagining the girl you like, as if you’ve become a night rider within the track itself.
Don’t Fall Asleep feat. Ikuko Harada (clammbon)YONA YONA WEEKENDERS
A lovely band that embraces the concept of “good music to go with your drinks,” YONA YONA WEEKENDERS released this new work in April 2023.
It’s included on their fifth EP, “into the wind,” out in June, and features Ikuko Harada from clammbon as a guest vocalist.
The lyrics, which depict time spent together, and the sweet atmosphere create a soothing comfort.
It seems perfect as a bedtime song, too.
It’s got that quintessential Yona Yona gentle groove that leaves you dreamy.
Alongside the reassuring band ensemble, a calm, peaceful time flows.
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.
lighthouseHoshino Gen
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, whose talents are drawing attention as he thrives across a wide range of fields beyond music, has released a globally simultaneous digital EP, LIGHTHOUSE.
The track Todai (Lighthouse), included as the opening number, is one of the ending themes written anew for each episode of the Netflix talk variety show LIGHTHOUSE.
Though the lyrics may at first seem to carry a negative message, they are imbued with universal truths that resonate with any life.
It’s an emotional number whose delicate ensemble—featuring only acoustic guitar—colors the night.
[Night Songs] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (61–70)
The Night Before DepartureLOST IN TIME
LOST IN TIME’s “Tabidachi Zenya” is a cheer for “you,” who sets off tomorrow.
Unlike their earlier songs, this one is a straight-up rock track.
The shouted vocal style, straightforward lyrics, and headlong performance are all encouraging.
It’s a song I want people leaving their hometowns for school or work to hear.
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!
Blow the night awayHata Motohiro
It’s a song by Motohiro Hata with a mature, sultry, moody chord progression and a bassline that feels great.
Though it’s a song about the night, it carries an exciting approach that urges you to burst into the world without going to sleep just yet—it even sounds like an invitation to try something a little mischievous.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you’re not ready to sleep and still haven’t had your fill of fun.