[2026] Traditional Japanese Music that Sings Prayers: A Compilation of J-POP Masterpieces
Even when we say “prayer,” what we’re praying for differs from person to person.
Just seeing the word “prayer” might evoke an image of something noble and sacred, but prayers can also be modest wishes—and at times they may even include negative emotions.
In this article, we highlight classic Japanese songs centered on the theme of “prayer,” featuring tracks that include the word “prayer” in their titles as well as songs whose theme itself is prayer.
Alongside timeless favorites and hit songs, we’ve also selected noteworthy tracks released in recent years, making this an article we hope many people will check out.
- Japanese music themed around prayer. A song whose warm message resonates in the heart.
- [2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces
- [2026] A Collection of Classic and Popular J-Pop Songs About God [Japanese Music]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- [2026] A roundup of classic and popular J-POP songs about gifts [Japanese music]
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Relaxed & Gentle] A calm track with an easy, unhurried tempo
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- A moving masterpiece that sings of the desire for forever and eternity
- [2026] A roundup of classic J-pop songs with “heaven” in the title
- [2026] Late-night listening! A roundup of recommended J-POP classics
[2026] Japanese music that sings prayers: A collection of J-POP masterpieces (21–30)
AtmosphereHatsuboshi Gakuen
Composed, written, and arranged by Heart’s Cry, this work will be released for streaming in December 2025.
It portrays the impatience of trying to catch up to one’s ideals, the stifling feeling of being swallowed by the atmosphere around you, and the determination to move forward without denying such vulnerabilities.
The grand song structure is also superb, with the chorus unleashing emotions while staying close to the weight of the words.
If you’re ready to take a new step forward, it will surely move you to your core.
PrayerKis-my-ft2
This is a digital-only single by Kis-My-Ft2 released in July 2010.
It has reached number one on the Oricon charts.
The music video is included in the Limited Edition A of their 2012 album, Kis-My-1st.
Prayer is empty.nuyuri
Nuyuri’s “Inori wa Karappo” (“Empty Prayer”) is a VOCALOID track that expresses deep human emotions and inner conflict.
Through this song, listeners will sense the characters’ fierce internal struggles and tragic fates.
While Nuyuri’s delicate yet powerful storytelling has drawn much attention, this work in particular layers the fear of loss with a heartrending desire to save a loved one.
Be sure to check out the visuals as well, which unfold a startling story—distinct from baseless salvation or prayer.
Scent of a DreamNogizaka 46
“Yume no Nioi,” included on the 40th single “Biryani” released in November 2025, is a graduation solo song performed by 3rd-generation member Shiori Kubo.
Its gentle melody and her clear, translucent vocals convey her resolve to leave the group and move forward on a new path.
It also fulfills the words she exchanged with fans around 2017—“A solo song in eight years?”—an episode that alone is enough to stir the heart.
It’s a warm ballad that quietly supports those standing at a crossroads in life.
Reach to the heavensMatsutōya Yumi
This piece was written by Yumi Matsutoya, one of Japan’s most iconic singer-songwriters, as the theme song for the drama “When I Was Little, There Was a God,” which began airing in October 2025.
Its nostalgic melody, the harmony that layers her past vocals—recreated with AI technology—with her present voice, and its grand soundscape resonate deeply.
It carries a curious, floating sensation, as if traveling through multiple dimensions.
A gentle autumn song that links the past and the present.
Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu
Released in September 2025, this track is a long-awaited fan favorite: a band-arranged reconstruction of a 2017 solo acoustic performance first shared on social media.
The lyrics, which express pure feelings and prayers for others in an unadorned world, cut straight to the heart.
And the beautiful melody born from the original acoustic style rides a guitar-rock sound that surges in the chorus, highlighting the warmth of the words.
It’s an emotional pop tune you’ll want to play on nights when you’re thinking of someone dear.
PremaFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze, the singer-songwriter who has won numerous awards for “Love All Serve All” and now enjoys worldwide acclaim.
“Prema” is the title track from his all-English album released in September 2025.
Born from his guiding principle of “creating songs that feel classic,” the piece is truly a prayer through music.
True to its title—Sanskrit for “supreme love”—it unfolds a grand, expansive world.
The lyrics, which sing of universal love, quietly stay by your side when you want to face yourself.
Lend your ears to its sacred sound.