Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]

loveback number36rank/position

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A gem from back number that captures bittersweet, tenderly aching emotions swaying in the limited time before graduation.

The lyrics, which freeze a youthful moment—like following your crush with your eyes from a classroom window—are sure to make anyone overlay their own memories.

Released in March 2012, this song overflows with warmth that gently nudges men who are thinking of confessing on White Day but can’t quite find the courage.

On a night when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to listen closely.

confessionHirai Ken37rank/position

Ken Hirai - Confession

This is a song whose profound vocals by Ken Hirai resonate deeply, portraying hopeless darkness and profound sorrow.

Released in May 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “W no Higeki” (The Tragedy of W).

The suffering and feelings of resignation depicted from the perspective of a woman carrying sadness are made even more striking through a music video with a unique visual aesthetic.

The work drew attention for its innovative production that fuses traditional Japanese performing arts—such as Awa Odori and Kabuki—with dance, leaving a strong impression both musically and visually.

It is a song that gently stays by the side of those trying to move forward despite their pain, or those who wish to confront the darker emotions within themselves.

Snow WhiteFlower38rank/position

Flower “Snow White” — 2nd album “Hanadokei (Flower Clock)” out 3/4

After working as support members for EXILE’s live performances, the dance and vocal group Flower made their debut in 2010.

Their 6th single, Shirayukihime (Snow White), used as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “We’re All Dead♪,” features a dreamlike ensemble that perfectly evokes its title.

A love you can’t stop even though you know from the start it won’t be rewarded is a feeling many people have likely experienced at least once.

It’s a heartbreaking number whose sentimental piano and strings melody pierces the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran39rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

A gem of a love song that gently sings of the wonder of eternal love.

It’s a single from the British artist Ed Sheeran’s 2014 June album “×.” With a warm gaze upon two people growing old together as time passes, it paints the unchanging depth of their love.

The music video, memorable for its graceful dance scenes with American dancer Brittany Cherry, was completed after Sheeran practiced for three weeks.

At the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016, it won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

It was also used as an insert song in the film “Me Before You,” and is cherished as a wedding staple.

It’s a track that will make the days spent with your loved one shine even brighter.

1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism40rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – 1,150,000-Kilometer Film [Official Audio]

It’s a song packed with a cinematic, captivating story.

Using a unique expression that likens days with a lover to a movie, it casts the lover as the lead, and oneself as the supporting role and director—an impression that really stands out.

Included on the album “Escaparade,” released in April 2018, it was used in a ROHM Co., Ltd.

commercial in 2019.

In 2020, it was also selected as the theme song for the film “Love Me, Love Me Not.” It’s a perfect track for a wedding day spent reminiscing about shared memories.

Official HIGE DANDism’s warm melodies and lyrics are sure to make your heart race.

Dried flowersYuuri41rank/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.

WHYKato Miria42rank/position

Miliyah Kato “WHY”

Miliyah Kato’s number, born from the “why?” that arises out of romantic miscommunication, resonates painfully deep in the heart.

Set to a powerful, rock-tinged sound, this song straightforwardly expresses irreconcilable feelings and a cry from the heart.

Even while carrying a sense of helplessness, you can feel the strength to keep moving forward.

Released in November 2009, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart and was later included on the acclaimed album HEAVEN.

When you don’t understand how the other person feels and are suffering from questions with no answers, listening to it might feel like it speaks your emotions for you.

It’s sure to gently stay by the side of anyone struggling with a frustrating love.