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

crescent moonayaka57rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

This ambitious work powerfully sings of the aching feelings of longing for a faraway lover.

Released as a single in September 2006, it showcases Ayaka’s outstanding expressive ability to the fullest.

The song is memorable for its forward-looking resolve to overcome parting and loneliness with a loved one, as well as its strong will to keep thinking of that person, while also conveying a sense of a positive future.

It was featured as the CM song for au’s “LISMO” and as the theme song for NHK General TV’s “Tsunagaru TV @ Human,” and it won the Best New Artist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those in long-distance relationships or anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Love SongGReeeeN58rank/position

GReeeeN – Love Song

An unusual group in which all members hold dental licenses, GReeeeN.

Released in May 2007, this song is a love ballad that, though awkward, honestly conveys feelings for a beloved person.

Its words—about the happiness of simply being side by side and a vow to hold hands even as the years go by—gently wrap listeners’ hearts in warmth.

It’s a popular track that even inspired the film “Love Song – Yakusoku no Nakuhito.” With its unadorned, down-to-earth expressions, it’s also perfect for a LINE “lyrics surprise.” How about sending the lyrics line by line to express the “I like you” you can’t usually say? Your earnest message might move the heart of someone important to you.

signalaiko59rank/position

Aizu – Aiko (senpai to kanojo ost)

This is a song by aiko included on the single “Plamai” released in 2015.

It was used as the theme song for the film “My Senpai and Me.” It portrays the feelings of a woman who is in love and knows the feelings are mutual, yet remains somehow unstable.

Looking at the lyrics, it seems the two are not in a boyfriend–girlfriend relationship.

It might be a relationship they can’t tell anyone about.

Her single-minded love, the desire to stay by his side no matter what kind of relationship it is… is deeply heartrending.

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sasashina

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki60rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

This work, in which Masaki Suda—active as an actor—sings a song by Kenshi Yonezu, was released as a digital single in May 2019.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” it garnered enormous attention, winning 32 awards.

It tells the story of a protagonist who once felt like a mistake, but finds the meaning of life through meeting someone precious—deeply resonating with those who struggle with self-denial.

A fated love so powerful that questions of right or wrong cease to matter is conveyed through Masaki Suda’s strong, straightforward vocals, stirring the heart with every listen.

It is one of his signature tracks, also included on the album “LOVE.”

AitaiKato Miria61rank/position

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Sing of FlowersShino62rank/position

Hana o Utau / Shino feat. Hatsune Miku

As it was produced under the theme “songs you want to listen to in spring,” it indeed conveys a strong sense of spring in the air.

The nimble yet punchy bass tone and the equally sharp vocal lines leave a buoyant sonic impression that lingers in the ear.

Lyrically, it portrays the anguish of parting with someone cherished and feelings that never reached their destination.

This stands in contrast to the sound, which in turn seems to express an inner sense of instability.

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kappamaki

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Loverssumika63rank/position

sumika / Lovers【Music Video】

One of sumika’s signature songs, it’s a big crowd-pleaser at live shows and perfect for everyone to sing along! The overall vocal range is F3 to C#5, and it modulates up for the last chorus.

Since it has a fresh, upbeat feel, keeping a bright tone will help you hit the high notes and make it to the end comfortably.

Because it’s a band sound, be sure to listen closely to the drums and lock into the groove.

Also, sounds in the “na” row can be harder to articulate because they tend to be nasal.

Since every hook starts with “ne,” try bringing your energy up more than you think—you’ll project better and find it easier to sing!

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Kubota Mami

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