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

evening primroseNovelbright71rank/position

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

A gem of a ballad by Novelbright, marked by a poignant melody that pierces the heart.

Released as a digital single in December 2020 and included on the album “Kaimaku Sengen,” the song is also known for being featured as the “MONTHLY SONG” on Fuji TV’s Tokudane! weather segment.

Set to a dramatic piano line, it paints a picture of beautiful yet fleeting days, with overflowing feelings for someone you can’t forget tightening in your chest.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear if you’re carrying that helpless love—the kind where graduation forces you apart and you never managed to say “I love you.” With over 300 million streams, this track is sure to gently accompany your bittersweet memories.

Because I fell in loveaimyon72rank/position

Aimyon “Because I Fell in Love” Studio Recording Scene

It’s a gem of a ballad by Aimyon that not only conveys the aching sense of loss after love ends, but also evokes gratitude for having met that special person.

Included on the album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense,” released in February 2019, this piece captivates with its stripped-down, unadorned arrangement.

Known for being recorded in a single take, the acoustic guitar tones and her raw vocals resonate as if speaking right beside the listener.

It leaves you with a warm feeling, one that makes you cherish how your view of the world has changed through knowing love.

Perfect for a quiet night when you want to shed a few tears and detox your heart.

Your favorite songUVERworld73rank/position

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

Have you ever had that bittersweet experience of growing to love the songs your crush listens to all the time? This love ballad portrays a heart that had shut itself off—swearing off love—slowly warming again thanks to a special encounter.

Created by UVERworld, a rock band from Shiga Prefecture, this single was released in November 2006 and drew attention as the theme song for the TBS romance variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” Its gentle, string-infused sound contrasts with the band’s intense rock image and truly resonates with the heart.

If you need a little courage to confess your feelings, why not give it a listen?

Because I like you.Yuika74rank/position

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

This song, delivered with a fresh, youthful sensibility, captures a faint, budding love through the perspective of a teenage girl.

Released in June 2021, it charted on Spotify’s viral rankings in several countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, and Thailand.

Yuika’s clear, translucent voice gently conveys the way the narrator is drawn to small gestures and unexpected sides of the person she likes.

The frustration and poignancy of unrequited love swell in the chest, and wrapped in the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, the sweet-and-sour feelings of youth that everyone has known return.

It’s a heartwarming track that tenderly accompanies anyone whose heart is swayed by love.

I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei75rank/position

“I Want to Be Your Lover” Music Video / Cho Kyumei

Jiu Qu Mei’s “I Want to Be Your Lover” is a song that captures uncontrollable feelings of love with sweetness and courage.

Its lyrics, which seem to speak for those who admire their school teacher, gently embrace the listener’s heart.

Shortly after its release, it gained popularity across Asia and surpassed 24 million views on YouTube.

The uniquely Jiu Qu Mei bittersweet yet warm melody is a highlight especially for younger listeners who still find romance a mystery.

The pop sound infused with jazz elements conveys energy even within its wistfulness, giving courage to those in love with their teacher.

I miss youAdo76rank/position

I Miss You by Ado

A refreshing love song that portrays the parting of youth.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that sing of missed connections and the heartache of long-distance love.

Ado’s overwhelming vocal power brilliantly expresses the complex emotions of being in love.

Released digitally in August 2021, it also drew attention as an insert song in the film “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.” It’s a recommended track for those deciding to confess before graduation or facing a farewell with someone important.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to share your feelings? It’s sure to become a wonderful memory.

I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo77rank/position

Atarayo - Forgetting You, the Quiet One in October (Music Video)

Have you ever felt a wave of sadness well up when you think about a former lover? Atarayo’s music captures those emotions beautifully.

The lyrics delicately portray feelings for a quiet partner and emotions that can’t be put into words, leaving a strong impression.

Released in March 2021, this song quickly became a hot topic on social media and resonated with many.

The drama-style music video further deepens the song’s world.

Listening to it when you’re apart from your partner or after a breakup will make it hit even closer to home.

It will stay close to your longing to see someone.