[Rain Songs] Japanese songs with “rain” in the lyrics. From the latest J-pop to nostalgic hits [2026]

Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu

Yuzu “Ame nochi Hareruya”

This is a song by the folk duo Yuzu, notable for its elegant shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) tones.

Released in November 2013, it became a major topic as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gochisosan.” Carrying a message of hope—that no matter how hard the downpour, the blue sky will surely open up someday—the song is sung over a gentle waltz in 3/4 time.

Its lyrics, which mirror characters who keep looking forward even in difficult circumstances, and its warm, grand sound make it an encouraging piece.

Standing at a crossroads in life, you’ll find it quietly illuminating your heart as you take a new step forward.

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland Budokan Live ’83)

Swayed by a spring-colored train and dreaming of a future with the one you love—many of us can relate to that kind of sweet and slightly bittersweet feeling, can’t we? This is Seiko Matsuda’s eighth single, and reportedly one of her personal favorites.

Released in January 1982, it features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Yumi Matsutoya, and it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial.

Some listeners may be surprised to learn that the word “rain” appears in the song.

In this work, the pure feelings of longing for someone are carefully sung, even as the unclosing distance between the two brings a sense of frustration.

Spurred by the song’s success, a flower that hadn’t previously existed was created through selective breeding—another reason this can be called a signature classic of its era.

I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

I hope it’s sunny.

This is a DREAMS COME TRUE song that sings of warm memories with family and hopes for the future.

Released as a single in October 1992, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hirari.” The lyrics, which depict someone who was protected by their parents as a child growing up and resolving that it’s now their turn to support the family, are truly moving.

When you listen to it as an adult in a moment of nostalgia, it might renew your gratitude and love for your family—and make you think, this time, I’ll be the one to drive.

umbrellaSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「umbrella」

A fantastical medium-tempo ballad that personifies a voiceless “umbrella” and portrays its pure will to protect someone.

Released by SEKAI NO OWARI in June 2020, the song also drew attention as the theme for the drama “Dragon Road: Two-Faced Avenger.” Written from the perspective of an umbrella that shouldn’t have emotions, the lyrics convey a poignant determination to protect a cherished person, even at the cost of self-sacrifice, resonating deeply with many fans.

When you strongly wish to protect someone, or on nights when you feel lonely, listening to it may bring warm tears to your eyes.

Lost Dog and the Beat of the RainASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

Lost Dog and the Beat of the Rain

This is a song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION that overlays the feelings of a lost dog on a rainy day with the inner turmoil of feeling lost in life.

It portrays the anxiety and loneliness of losing your way—and the determination to keep walking nonetheless—set to the rhythm of falling rain.

Released in May 2010, the track reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts and resonated with many listeners.

It’s a song to hear when you’re unsure about your direction in life or when you need the courage to jump into a new environment.

Heart Rainindigo la End

Indigo la End “Koiame”

A beautiful ballad by indigo la End that sings of rain falling endlessly on the heart.

Through the symbolic motif of rain, it poignantly portrays the complex emotions of a woman facing the end of a relationship.

The lyrics delicately express the wavering between the resolve to leave and the guilt that comes with it, as well as the gradual cooling of affection—feelings anyone who has experienced a breakup can relate to.

Released in February 2016, this song was also featured in a commercial for the smartphone game “Shoumetsu Toshi” (Disappearing City).

It’s a track that gently keeps you company on a rainy night in the rainy season, when you’re alone in your room listening to the sound of the rain, or when you want to face the end of a romance.

hydrangeakyanai

Kannai – Hydrangea [OFFICIAL AUDIO]

This is a song by Kyanai that candidly portrays the complex state of mind of someone who cheated, using the transience of flowers blooming in a rain-soaked city as a motif.

The lyrics, where self-justification shifts the blame for love onto the other person while inner conflict swirls, leave a powerful impression on listeners.

Released in May 2022, this ambitious work sings about romance from a bold new perspective.

It skillfully employs the language of flowers that bloom during the rainy season to poetically depict the fading of a once-pure love.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to face complicated romantic feelings while listening to the sound of rain, or when you want to reflect deeply on the contradictions of human relationships.