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

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota78rank/position

Tsumugu / Tota

Singer-songwriter Tota, known for a sound that incorporates indie rock and synth-pop, has been drawing attention.

Released in February 2023 and included on the debut album “oidaki,” this digital single features a voice that leaves a deep impression as it speaks to the heart.

When a short version was posted on social media in June 2021, it spread rapidly, and the performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE also became a major topic.

This work is a love song that depicts parting with someone dear, and a prayer for the future that continues despite it.

The lyrics, which evoke scenes of sending one’s feelings on the sky’s tears and the wind’s song, may leave you with a bittersweet ache just by listening.

It’s sure to gently stay by the side of a heart sunk in the sorrow of farewell.

I tried falling in love with you.chay79rank/position

chay "I Tried Falling in Love with You" (short ver.)

The sixth single released in February 2015 by chay, who is active as both a model and a singer-songwriter, became popular as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Date—What Is Love Like?” starring Anne.

The song is packed with the pure feelings of a protagonist who’s clumsy in love.

Its retro, pop sound reminiscent of the ’60s, complemented by lush strings, perfectly captures the giddy excitement of the moment a romance begins.

The lyrics portray that magical, empowering feeling that makes you think you can do anything just because there’s someone you like—something many listeners can relate to.

It’s a bright, pop number you’ll want to play to lift your spirits, like right before meeting someone special.

Unrequited loveAimer80rank/position

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

This is a love song that expresses a vow of eternal love, highlighted by Aimer’s crystalline, transparent vocals.

It portrays a depth of affection that never fades with time, leaving a warm afterglow in the listener’s heart.

The track is included on the album “daydream,” with lyrics and composition by Takahito Uchisawa of androp.

It was selected as the opening theme for TBS’s “CDTV” starting in October 2016, earning support from a wide range of age groups.

The song also drew attention with Aimer’s appearance on YouTube’s “THE FIRST TAKE” in January 2022.

With its simple, easy-to-remember melody and relaxed tempo, it’s a song that’s easy to sing at karaoke.

It’s also well-suited for wedding performances, making it perfect for singing with heartfelt emotions for someone special.

AiHata Motohiro81rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Ai (Short ver.)

A timeless hit by Motohiro Hata for anyone who wants to convey pure love on White Day.

His gentle yet powerful voice, together with the delicate tones of the acoustic guitar, resonates straight to the heart.

The lyrics portray a universal, profound love that makes you feel happy just by being together, quietly accompanying the listener’s heart.

Released as a single in January 2010, this song is also included on the beloved masterpiece album “Documentary.” Filled with the tenderness and ache of thinking about someone in the everyday moments, it’s perfect not only for those about to confess their feelings, but also for nights when you want to renew your gratitude to your partner.

One million “I love you”sRake82rank/position

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

A signature number by singer-songwriter Rake that sings of overflowing feelings far too great to be conveyed by the words “I love you” alone.

Many people will surely think, “Ah, that song!” as soon as they hear the chorus.

This work delivers a love so immense it’s almost frustrating to put into words, carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar and a rhythm that makes you want to hum along.

Released in March 2011, the track became a long-running hit, making history on the USEN chart with an unprecedented 24 consecutive weeks in the Top 30.

Heard in numerous tie-ins—such as a Yokohama Tires commercial and as the theme song for the film ‘Ganbappe! Hula Girls’—it truly stands as one of the defining songs of 2011.

It’s a timeless classic, perfect for confessions to someone special or for weddings.

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell83rank/position

[Available until July 14, 2025] Bakemonogatari ED “The Story You Don’t Know” supercell Original Audio 4K High Quality Full AAC-LC – 320 kbps

This song is characterized by a gentle melody that tenderly resonates with listeners’ hearts.

Released in August 2009, it is also known as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari.

The lyrics delicately portray the ache of unrequited love and the complex emotions of a love triangle, striking a chord with many listeners.

One of its charms is how the protagonist’s hidden feelings and loneliness are beautifully expressed through scenes of stargazing.

It’s a perfect track for those who have experienced heartbreak or who hold unspoken feelings of love.

Combined with supercell’s delicate vocals, it becomes a moving and deeply touching piece.

Blue BenchSasuke84rank/position

Blue Bench / Sasuke

The single released in 2004 is imbued with a wistfulness that lingers like standing on a station platform at dusk.

Created by Sasuke—who at the time gained word-of-mouth popularity with acoustic guitar and two-part harmonies—this work is a heartbreak tale of someone clutching a class reunion invitation and tasting regret.

Despite its simple, street-bred arrangement, the emotions that rise from the pauses in the lyrics and the swell of the chorus resonate across generations.

Though it peaked at only No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly chart, it remained charted for 64 weeks and was later included in school textbooks as a choral piece.

It’s a classic that gently stays by your side when you’ve grown up still holding faint memories of first love, or when you want to revisit old feelings during graduation season.