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

CHE.R.RYYUI29rank/position

CHE.R.RY

Let me introduce a song that refreshingly portrays a bittersweet spring romance.

Delicately expressing the feelings of unrequited love conveyed through cell phone emails, this track by YUI gently sings about the beginning of love—something everyone has experienced at least once.

With warmth, it depicts the protagonist, who isn’t good with emojis, having their heart skip a beat at messages from their crush and fretting over the back-and-forth of replies with pure sincerity.

Released in March 2007, the song resonated with many and was later included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” It was also used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a perfect cheer song for those experiencing their first love in a new environment, or for anyone ready to take a new step forward with the arrival of spring.

Heroineback number30rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

Speaking of love songs from a male perspective, you can’t leave out back number.

Their song “Heroine” is the band’s 11th single, released in 2015.

It’s a hugely popular track and a staple winter song.

It captures a man’s feelings of wanting to be by the side of the person he loves—hoping he’s the one standing next to her.

If you’re a woman, wouldn’t you want someone to feel that way about you? It’s a heart-fluttering unrequited love song that makes you feel the chill of winter and the cold of falling snow.

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I want to see you.mosao.31rank/position

I Want to See You / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A heartwarming ballad that captures the bittersweetness of a long-distance relationship.

The growing feelings for a lover you can’t meet and the frustration of only being able to connect over the phone are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.

Released digitally in October 2020, the song resonated with many, with four tracks ranking in LINE MUSIC’s Real-time TOP 50.

Mosawo’s warm vocals will surely comfort anyone thinking of a loved one far away.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those struggling with the pain of not being able to see someone important.

Blueberry Nightsmakaroni enpitsu32rank/position

Macaroni Empitsu 'Blueberry Nights' MV

A song by Macaroni Empitsu that sings about messy, tangled emotions.

Included on the album “hope,” this gem portrays the complex feelings after a breakup.

It poignantly expresses lingering attachment to a cooled romance and the reluctance to accept reality.

The depth of the lyrics, hidden within a pop sound, resonates powerfully with listeners.

The track also drew attention as the lead song from their 4th mini-album “LiKE,” released in February 2019, earning strong support especially among younger audiences.

It’s a must-listen for anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak or struggling with complicated romantic feelings.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi33rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

This is a bittersweet yet warm song that begins with a simple acoustic guitar tone.

It conveys the weight carried by the words “I love you,” intertwining a moving expression of deep love with the meaning of singing as a performer—truly a masterpiece.

Released in November 1997, its heartfelt vocals and universal message captured many hearts despite its simple sound.

It was chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall,” and has been embraced by even more listeners across generations.

With Kazuyoshi Saito’s characteristically warm vocals and memorable melody, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is recommended when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or sing with heartfelt emotion.

Tightly.mosao.34rank/position

Tightly. / Mosawo. [Music Video]

This is a song by Mosa o., depicting lovers holding each other tight—an everyday life that’s warm and gentle, overflowing with deep love and a sense of security.

It reminds us that more than special events, it’s the simple, ordinary moments of just being together that are the true treasures.

When you’re feeling down, they’re the one closest to you, supporting you and embracing even your vulnerabilities.

That gratitude toward such a person, along with the pure wish to stay together forever, resonates warmly in the listener’s heart.

Released in July 2020, the song was later included on the album “Koi no Uta.” Listening to it with someone special will surely deepen the bond between you.

Dried flowersYuuri35rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

A heartrending ballad from a woman’s perspective, Dry Flower continues the story sung in the smash hit Kakurenbo.

It lays bare the true feelings and inner conflict of the woman who chose to end the relationship, tightening your chest as you feel the distance that grew between the two.

Released in October 2020, the song exploded in popularity through social media and video platforms, surpassing 1 billion total streams.

It’s also a karaoke staple that consistently ranks near the top, making it perfect for those moments when you want to sing with deep emotion.