A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Loving too muchCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S.

Chemistry Goosebump-Inducing Live! The classic song “Too in Love”

Speaking of Chemistry, they were an explosively popular male duo from the moment they debuted.

Their greatest charm is, without a doubt, their harmonies.

When you listen, you can’t help but be swept away—these are ballads brimming with a mature, sultry allure.

The curtain risesback number

back number – The Curtain Rises [Theme song for the film 'TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission']

This is a sweeping, heart-stirring ballad by back number, chosen as the theme song for the theatrical release TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission, coming out in August 2025.

Produced with Takeshi Kobayashi onboard, its sense of scale is breathtaking.

The song portrays the decisive moment when, despite being so overcome by fear that one trembles, one still resolves—out of a sense of duty—to head toward someone in need.

Lead actor Ryohei Suzuki has said this worldview gripped his heart; it truly feels like a scene from a film.

Listen to it when you’re facing a major challenge or need to steel yourself, and you’ll receive a warm yet powerful boost of encouragement.

GiftET-KING

ET-KING – Gift

They made their major debut in 2006, and this is the song that followed after their third single, “Itoshii Hito e,” became a hit.

The song is about how your beloved’s smile is the greatest gift.

Also, although this year the main vocalist and leader, Itokin, passed away, it seems ET-KING will continue.

JUST BECAUSTHE JAYWALK

J-WALK Just Because 1988

Did Koichi Nakamura leave the following year due to a scandal in 2010 (Heisei 22)? There are fans who say it just doesn’t work unless he’s the vocalist.

This song was written in katakana at the time of the review, but six years later it became a hit as an image song for an anime.

Why did I end up falling in love with you?TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)

Tohoshinki / Why Did I Fall in Love with You?

There are many kinds of heartache, but the first thing that comes to mind is unrequited love.

You want to convey these aching feelings, yet you can’t find the courage.

In moments like that, I recommend Tohoshinki’s “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” The lyrics are utterly heartrending.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s first number-one on the Oricon charts was this song, Mikazuki.

It received heavy radio power play (it was played over and over throughout the month), and she also made her first appearance on the 2006 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

She is married, and it is well known that her husband is Hiro Mizushima, an actor and novelist.

I’m sorry…Takahashi Mariko

Megumi Mori: “Gomen ne… (Mariko Takahashi)”

Speaking of Mariko Takahashi, as the second lead vocalist of Pedro & Capricious she had hits like ‘Message to Johnny’ and ‘Marie on Gobangai.’ After going solo, songs like ‘for you’ and ‘Momo-iro Toiki (Pink Sigh)’ became big hits.

‘Gomen ne’ was the theme song for the TV drama Tuesday Suspense Theater and became her biggest hit.