Ranking of Popular Japanese Love Songs and Romance Tracks [2026]

HOWEVERGLAY64rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

A gem of a love song that captures a sweet yet heartbreaking feeling of romance.

After past mistakes and the times you hurt each other, this masterpiece lets you deeply feel the meaning of finally starting to walk forward together.

Released in 1997, it became a million seller.

It later gained even more popularity when it was used as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryokudatsuai: Abunai Onna.” Its grand sound and TERU’s clear, soaring vocals resonate in the heart.

Recommended for moments when you want to recall a distant love, when you’re troubled by your current relationship, or when you simply want to sink into a touch of melancholy.

As one of GLAY’s signature songs, it continues to be loved by many to this day.

Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya65rank/position

Takaya Kawasaki - Ambiguous Blue [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A pure, heart-stirring gem of a love song by Takaya Kawasaki that delicately portrays the sense of distance between two people and the ache that comes with it.

The more you learn about the other person, the more jealousy begins to grow—yet the love deepens even more.

These subtle, complex emotions are gently wrapped in his warm vocals and a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar.

Chosen as the theme song for the MBS drama “Fukushū Kareshi: Deki-ai Shachō no Kao ni wa Ura ga Aru” (Revenge Boyfriend: The Devoted CEO Has Another Side), this track tenderly accompanies anyone who, despite feeling doubt and anxiety about their relationship, can’t suppress the feelings they hold inside.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number66rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

With their realistic psychological portrayals, back number captures the hearts of many fans.

Their eighth single, released in June 2013, truly feels like “a song packed full of one-sided-love imaginings.” You can’t help but nod along at the poignant sense of distance—being nothing more than “a friend of a friend” to the person you like—and at the way you get depressed by imagining the kind of partner they’d want and deciding you don’t measure up.

In contrast to those lyrics, the brisk, refreshing sound gently propels that frustrating, unrequited longing forward.

The track is also included on the album “Love Story,” and it was used in a commercial in 2019.

Wishing to be loved yet unable to take that final step—this is a one-sided love song that will surely resonate and stay close to your heart.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe67rank/position

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

A Creephyp song that beautifully portrays farewells in the season when cherry blossoms fall.

While cherishing past memories, it sings of the courage to take a new step forward.

Included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” released in September 2018, the track also gained attention as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA.

It’s a song for those who feel the pain of parting yet want to keep holding on to hope for the future.

Its emotional rock sound and distinctive lyrical world will resonate with listeners and give them the strength to face forward.

The season of farewellSHISHAMO68rank/position

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

“The Season of Goodbye” by SHISHAMO is a song about a crush on an upperclassman who will graduate before you.

It’s included on the album SHISHAMO 2.

You know you’ll never be in the same class as that senior and you don’t see them often, but catching glimpses of them around school always makes you happy.

Unfortunately, you won’t be graduating at the same time.

On graduation day, as they leave school ahead of you, you can’t say anything—just watch from afar like always.

Even if your feelings don’t come true, you just hope they won’t forget you.

It’s a song that captures that bittersweet, chest-tightening kind of love.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama69rank/position

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.

Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.

As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.

As an ex-girlfriendMy Hair is Bad70rank/position

Moto Kanojyoto Shite

This song by My Hair is Bad is portrayed through the gaze of a woman exhausted by love.

As she faces a breakup, the way she tries to move forward in her own way—changing her appearance and throwing herself into parties—leaves a strong impression.

Underneath it all are a distrust that can no longer believe in anything and a wish to be freed from past relationships.

Included on the November 2017 album “mothers,” this piece is a ballad that resonates with and supports those trying to confront the end of a romance.

Even while carrying the pain of heartbreak, it is sure to spark a shift in the hearts of people who are ready to take a new step forward.