[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 (41–50)
my wishAI
A heartwarming gospel ballad filled with hope and prayer.
Released in April 2025, this work serves as the image song for the film “Hana Manma.” The lyrics gently tell us that “wishes do come true,” and AI’s husky yet powerful vocals layer over them to moving effect.
It beautifully captures the world of the film, in which Ryohei Suzuki and Kasumi Arimura play a brother and sister.
This song gently supports those on the verge of giving up on the future or whose dreams have been denied, making it a perfect listen when you need strength to persevere or the courage to take the next step.
SunYorushika
Yorushika’s new song is a gem written as the theme for the film “Shoutai” (Identity).
n-buna’s poetic lyrics and suis’s crystalline vocals weave a breathtaking world.
Through natural motifs like butterflies, the sun, deserts, and the sea, the song questions the fragility of life and the meaning of human existence.
Released in November 2024, it also drew attention for its music video, a collaboration with art director Tetsuya Nagato.
Seamlessly fused with the film’s atmosphere, the track is perfect for quiet nights or reflective moments.
A Modest PrayerEvery Little Thing
It’s a single by Every Little Thing released in August 2002, and it was used as the theme song for Yajiuma Plus.
It reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
Maki Sakai appeared in the promotional video.
Bolero of PrayerJusuka Guranpēru
This piece by the instrumental duo Jusqu’à Grand-Père was used in Japan in 2006 as the image song for the French film ‘Time to Leave.’ This video features a dedicatory performance recorded at Kifune Shrine’s main sanctuary.
O wind, O lightHide Yuki Yangu Furesshu
It’s the opening theme of the tokusatsu hero series Kaiketsu Lion-Maru produced by P Productions, sung by Hideki (Hide) Takki, who performed many theme songs for tokusatsu works.
In the remake Lion-Maru G, a version sung by Akira Kushida was used.
HikariHorie Yui
This is a single by Yui Horie released in May 2006, which reached fifth place on the Oricon weekly chart.
It is the opening theme for the TV anime Inukami!.
The promotional video is included in Yui horie CLIPS 2, released in 2010.
A Small Prayer ~ P.S. I Love YouTokunaga Hideaki
This is a single by Hideaki Tokunaga released in October 2008.
It was used as the theme song for the Japanese release of the American film “P.S.
I Love You.” It reached No.
11 on the Oricon weekly chart.