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

Love WindIkuta Rira85rank/position

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

This work portrays the delicate emotional shifts of someone growing timid in their first love.

Released by Rira Ikuta in April 2025, the song carefully expresses the confusion and inner conflict of falling in love, as well as the resolve to move forward little by little thanks to the presence of the other person.

Even while carrying past wounds, the protagonist—gently encouraged by someone who gazes at them with sincere eyes—decides to take a new step, leaving a strong impression.

Written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition,” this marks the third time Ikuta’s music has been chosen for the series, following “Promise of Romance” (2019) and “Sparkle” (2022).

With a fresh, springlike melody and a clear, translucent vocal tone, it’s perfect for reels and stories that want to capture the flutter of a budding romance.

orionYonezu Kenshi86rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu, who has crafted numerous heartrending love ballads, also created this song, “orion,” one of the most popular numbers among his love songs.

It’s also known as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

A love song themed around the winter constellation Orion, it conveys the chill of winter air, deepening the sense of melancholy.

Even if the love is unrequited, you find yourself wishing toward the sky—your chest tightens with the urge to entrust your hopes to God or the stars.

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From Me to Youflumpool87rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

Flumpool is a rock band that has won strong support with its refreshing band sound and pure, heartfelt lyrics.

This work is a fast-paced pop-rock number themed around the feelings you want to convey to someone important and the courage to take a step forward.

Written as the theme song for the film of the same name released in September 2010, it has been loved by many, even reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The lyrics, which convey genuine feelings in a conversational tone, seem like they could be sent line by line on LINE and still feel like a natural conversation.

They let you deliver the usually embarrassing words “I like you” in a straightforward way.

How about listening to this love song that gives you a push when you need the courage to confess—a perfect pick for a lyrics surprise, too?

Ah, geez.Saucy Dog88rank/position

Saucy Dog “Ah, geez.” Music Video

This is a song by the three-piece band Saucy Dog that captures the delicate feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.

It portrays her emotional ups and downs in response to the other person’s suggestive behavior, and the anxiety and self-loathing she falls into while waiting for a reply on LINE.

Featured in collaboration with Morinaga’s “DARS” and as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari,” the track sings of a resolve to drown in love.

It’s a must-listen for high school students who can’t hold back their feelings for someone they like.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to take a step forward?

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake89rank/position

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

This song was written as the theme for the drama “Eye Love You” starring Fumi Nikaido, and it’s performed by the piano rock band Omoinotake.

Its theme is steadfast love that never fades, no matter how far apart you are—even transcending time.

While the bright, exhilarating sound makes your heart dance, the lyrics portray a poignant longing for someone you may never meet again, and that contrast really hits home.

After its release in February 2024, the song captured so many hearts that it surpassed 100 million streams at the sixth-fastest pace in history.

When you can’t easily see someone important to you, this song is sure to gently stay by your side.

catDISH//90rank/position

cat

This song, written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, is the B-side to the single “We Did It” released in August 2017.

When Takumi Kitamura performed an acoustic version on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE in March 2020, it sparked renewed buzz, and its total streaming plays surpassed one billion.

The piece portrays lingering attachment and heartache for someone dearly missed, expressing a yearning for a person who has become as free and capricious as a cat.

When you’re worn out from work or relationships, or when memories of a past love resurface, this song is sure to bring you to tears.

First Christmas feat. JUNON (BE:FIRST)Reiko91rank/position

REIKO ‘First Christmas feat. JUNON (BE:FIRST)’ Music Video

This is a winter pop song that captures the feeling of spending a special winter day for the first time with someone dear, written with honest emotion.

Penned by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, the number sweetens the romantic season with lyrics brimming with excitement and a gentle, ear-pleasing melody.

The harmony woven by REIKO’s smooth vocals and BE:FIRST’s JUNON’s transparent voice conveys just how close the two feel to each other.

It was released digitally in November 2024 and was included on the album “Debut” the following month.

It’s a warm Christmas song, perfect for a holy-night date scene spent watching holiday illuminations with your loved one.