Japanese Pop Valentine’s Day Song Rankings [2026]

rainbowSuda Masaki15rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

This song, beloved by listeners across generations, serves as the theme for the 3DCG animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.

Released as a single by Masaki Suda—who is also active as an actor—in November 2020, it was written and composed by Huwie Ishizaki and drew attention for surpassing 300 million streams.

While acknowledging one’s own weaknesses, the lyrics convey a sincere vow to stay by the side of a loved one for life.

It’s a warm ballad that makes your chest tighten and brings tears to your eyes.

Perfect for anyone seeking the courage to confess their feelings to someone special on Valentine’s Day.

The song’s tenderness and strength are sure to give your love a supportive push.

Happy Endingback number16rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

This song is memorable for its heart-wrenching, bittersweet lyrics and beautiful melody.

Depicting the sorrow of parting and lingering attachment, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Written as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday” starring Sota Fukushi, it was released in November 2016.

The work vividly captures the inner conflict of a woman who declares a breakup while still deeply loving her partner.

It’s a perfect track for those facing the end of a relationship or seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak.

Why not immerse yourself in the delicate musical world crafted by back number?

single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu17rank/position

King Gnu – Ichizu

A rock tune bursting with a ferocious sense of speed, as if overwhelming feelings for the other person are exploding.

Daiki Tsuneta’s thrilling beats interlock with Satoru Iguchi’s piercing high notes, instantly bringing listeners’ hearts to a boil.

Written as the theme song for the anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and included on the single released in December 2021, this track portrays a world of resolve and impulse in love, conveying a strength that charges straight ahead without looking aside.

If you want to confess your feelings to someone on Valentine’s Day but can’t quite take that final step, listening to this song will surely give you the immense energy to cut through your hesitation and dash forward!

balladKetsumeishi18rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

On a Valentine’s Day marked by a bittersweet heartbreak, Ketsumeishi’s song “Ballad” is there to gently stay by your side.

It is a track that mourns a love that has ended, quietly sketching the feelings within.

The subtle shifts of a heart that simply longs to see someone are expressed with calm restraint yet rich emotion.

As night after night passes without meeting, the lyrics linger on days that can never return, captivating many listeners.

Ketsumeishi’s signature approachable yet heartrending melody resonates in the chest.

When you’ve just gone through a breakup and it’s hard to look forward, this song will stay close to your feelings and slowly help you heal.

Before GoodbyeAAA19rank/position

AAA / "Before the Goodbye" Music Video

I want people who’ve had the experience of loving someone but having to break up to listen to this.

It’s up-tempo and the vocals are bright, so even though it’s a heartbreak song, you can listen to it with a light heart.

I think even couples who are happy right now will be reminded that happiness isn’t a given and think, “If there’s something to say, we should say it right away,” when they hear it.

First LoveUtada Hikaru20rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A single cut from Hikaru Utada’s debut album “First Love,” released in 2016 and a massive hit.

Many may remember it as the theme song for the drama Majo no Jōken (A Witch’s Conditions), which depicted a forbidden love between a teacher and a student.

It’s only natural that you can’t easily forget someone you once loved deeply.

There might be more people than you’d expect who, while reminiscing about an old romance and thinking, “Even if I fall for someone else, I’ll probably end up remembering you again,” have stepped forward into a new relationship.

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Turing Love feat. SouNanawo Akari21rank/position

Turing Love feat. Sou / Nanawo Akari

This is an anisong that portrays the clumsy romance of a science-minded girl and boy who try to logically prove their burning feelings.

With lyrics full of scientific terms and lively back-and-forth between the two, plus an upbeat dance tune, it really conveys the excitement of falling in love.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It.” A collaboration between Nanawo Akari and Sou, the song is included on the single “Turing Love feat.

Sou / Piyo,” released in February 2020.

It’s perfect for anyone who struggles to put the feeling of “like” into words—that frustrating, bittersweet emotion.

Its pure, uncalculated feelings will resonate and give you the courage to confess on Valentine’s Day!