Masterpieces That Sing of Rainbows: A Selection of Recommended Popular and Latest Songs
What kind of image do you have when you hear the word “rainbow”? The word rainbow is often used in song titles and lyrics because it evokes positive ideas like peace, bonds, and hope.
There are also many masterpieces in J-POP that use rainbows as a theme.
In this article, we’re highlighting works themed around rainbows—introducing popular songs related to rainbows, from timeless classics to the latest tracks.
Masterpieces That Sing of Rainbows: A Selection of Recommended Popular and New Songs (1–10)
rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This is one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature songs, carrying a message of overcoming hardship and moving toward hope.
The dramatic rock ballad delivers light to listeners’ hearts, like a rainbow shining in the sky after the rain.
Also known as a theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart following its release in October 1997, becoming a major hit with total sales of 723,000 copies.
Created with an emphasis on dialogue among the members, this work symbolizes the band’s fresh start.
Often performed at the climax of their live shows, it’s a wonderful song that deepens their bond with fans.
rainbowAqua Timez
A single released by Aqua Timez in 2008.
It was used as the theme song for the third season of the drama Gokusen.
Many listeners were likely encouraged by the lyrics that gently give you a push with the words “It’s going to be okay.” Even without any basis for saying it’s okay, sometimes those words alone can save you—this is a positive song that lets you take things in a forward-looking way.
rainbowNinomiya Kazunari
A song included on the limited first edition of “Time,” released on July 11, 2007.
It’s a love ballad sung by Kazunari Ninomiya of Arashi, his gentle, heartrending voice at the forefront.
Listening to the lyrics that depict a sweet romance might make some listeners feel a little shy.
With piano and acoustic guitar highlighting the tenderness of his vocals, it’s a calm and soothing track.
rainbowFujifaburikku
A signature song by Fujifabric that expresses the beauty of a rainbow through music.
Set to a lively 8-beat melody, it sings of a longing to travel far and the drive to chase dreams.
With lyrics that resonate and a track brimming with positive energy, it offers courage for self-discovery and moving forward.
Released in June 2005, the song reached No.
34 on the Oricon charts.
In 2018, it was also used as an insert song in the film Rainbow Days.
It’s recommended listening when you want to find small joys in everyday life or take a new step forward.
Savor this song, packed with the charm of Fujifabric’s music.
rainbowTakahashi Yuu
This powerful anthem of youth and hope features Yu Takahashi’s warm vocals that gently resonate with the heart.
Written in 2017 as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the theme for “Netto Koshien,” it has been cherished by many as a cheer song for the players competing at Koshien.
Throughout the lyrics, the determination to overcome setbacks and hardships and to strive to create miracles with one’s own hands is strongly emphasized, giving listeners courage and inspiration.
It’s a recommended track not only for high school baseball fans, but also for anyone chasing a dream or wanting to support someone who is.
rainbowAAA
A single released by AAA in 2013.
Written specifically for the group by GReeeeN, it also features GReeeeN members on chorus.
While many songs with a “rainbow” theme convey the idea that, just as a rainbow appears after rain, moments of happiness await after hardship, this track takes a different angle: it portrays smiles, courage, and hope as creating the rainbow bridge themselves.
Please take your time listening and compare it with your own image of a rainbow.
rainbow-coloredayaka
A soothing song that brings a sense of comfort, with a gently warm intro and an embracing vocal that puts you at ease.
Written as the theme for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne, this is Ayaka’s 13th single.
As Ayaka herself said, she wanted to create a song that stays close to the listener—one that warmly leans into a heart feeling a touch of anxiety or impatience and quietly says, “It’s going to be okay.” Released in June 2014, this track shines like a rainbow, lighting a beacon of hope in many people’s hearts.
It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone about to take a new step forward.
Beyond the RainbowMr.Children
Beginning with a powerful piano tone, this song is packed with the charm of Mr.Children.
The lyrics, which depict the feelings of people pursuing their dreams and hopes, resonate deeply with listeners.
You can feel the determination to move forward by overcoming difficulties.
Included on the album “Kind of Love,” released in December 1992, it’s loved by many fans as a refreshing track that symbolizes Mr.Children’s early years.
It has been performed frequently live, and especially during the period from 1992 to 1994, it occupied an important place in their setlists.
It’s a perfect song for times when you want to strive toward your dreams or feel positive.
Why not let yourself be enveloped by Mr.Children’s warm vocals?
rainbowELLEGARDEN
It’s included on ELLEGARDEN’s 2005 album RIOT ON THE GRILL.
The song was written based on a rainbow they saw after finishing a tour with Gotoh from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION and Horie from Straightener.
These lyrics contain many moments that really make you stop and realize things.
If you keep your head down, trying not to crack the thin ice beneath your feet, you’ll miss the rainbow stretched across the sky… but if you walk with your head up, that won’t happen.
The lyrics make so much sense—be sure to pay attention to them as you listen.
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
A single released by Masaharu Fukuyama in 2003.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama WATER BOYS.
After the rain, a rainbow appears, followed by the sun.
Rather than just waiting, it’s a coming-of-age song with an encouraging, forward-looking message that urges you to take off beyond the rainbow yourself.