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

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama71rank/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.

evening primroseNovelbright72rank/position

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

It’s a love ballad that begins with a heart-wrenching piano intro that tightens your chest—impossible to listen to without tears.

Unable to forget an ex-lover and inevitably drifting back to those memories… Yudai Takenaka’s overwhelming high-tone vocals deliver that helpless emotion with dramatic intensity.

Released digitally by Novelbright in December 2020, the song was featured as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!”.

Its performance on the YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE” drew a huge response, and it was later included on the album “Kaimaku Sengen.” Give it a careful listen when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or have a good cry and feel refreshed at night.

As an ex-girlfriendMy Hair is Bad73rank/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.

Because I fell in loveaimyon74rank/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 songUVERworld75rank/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?

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota76rank/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 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.

I miss youAdo78rank/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 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.

Love WindIkuta Rira80rank/position

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

Singer-songwriter Rira Ikuta, whose crystal-clear voice captivates many and who also shines as the vocalist of YOASOBI.

This song was written in April 2025 as the theme for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” It delicately portrays the bewilderment and anticipation unique to the beginning of love, as well as the pure feelings that make your heart race just by thinking of the other person.

This is her third time handling the theme song for the series, and the lyrics—closely aligned with the show’s worldview—resonated with many listeners.

The refreshing melody line, evocative of the arrival of spring, will give you the courage to take a new step forward.

It’s a heartwarming number you’ll want to listen to when you want to be honest about your feelings of love or while thinking of someone special.