Classic songs about romance. Recommended popular tracks.
Looking up “romance” in the dictionary, you’ll find: 1) a story or incident concerning affection between a man and a woman; 2) an (adventurous) tale or legend that seldom occurs in reality.
Songs with “romance” in the title are packed with tracks that unfold dramatic love stories.
There are plenty of impactful songs too, so give them a listen.
Masterpieces that sing of romance. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Precisely because I love you, I wish for your happiness, and keep pretending to be someone I’m not while holding on to an unfulfilled longing.
This work delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, powerfully expressing the painful gap between ideals and reality in romance.
The beautiful words repeated in the chorus symbolize a complex tangle of emotions—respect for the other person and a yearning that refuses to fade.
The wish of “If only we had met in a different timeline” is heartbreaking yet deeply moving.
Released to the world in May 2019 as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: The Movie, this track became the fastest ever to surpass 100 million streams on the Billboard Japan streaming chart, leaving a significant mark on the Japanese music scene.
It’s a song I especially want those struggling with unrequited love, or those who can empathize with wishing happiness for someone dear, to hear.
RomanceHarada Tomoyo
This is a single by Tomoyo Harada released in January 1997, which peaked at No.
39 on the Oricon chart.
It was produced by Tore Johansson.
A version with a different running time is included on the album “I could be free,” released the following month.
Ten-Year RomanceHanda Kento
This is a single by Kento Handa released in October 2016.
He wrote both the lyrics and the music himself, and it features a strong flavor of the Showa-era kayōkyoku style that Handa loves.
Handa is also a railway enthusiast, and the motif of this song is the Romancecar.
Romance Once AgainKuzuya Yoko
It’s a song created as a commercial jingle for the Odakyu Romancecar, and I think many of you will find it familiar.
It has been performed by various musicians, but this video features the version sung by singer-songwriter Yoko Kuzuya.
It was released as a single in July 2007.
RomanceGō Hiromi
It’s a single by Hiromi Go, released in April 1983.
The song was originally performed by Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, with Japanese lyrics written by Keisuke Yamakawa.
It peaked at number 20 on the Oricon chart.
RomancePENICILLIN
This is a single by PENICILLIN released in January 1998.
It is known as the opening theme for the TV anime “Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san,” which aired within the program “Wonderful.” It reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
Romance ~Only Goodbyes Are Romance~miura tōko
This is a song performed by actress Toko Miura.
It was used as the ending theme for director Yuki Tanada’s 2015 film “Romance.” Her clear, translucent singing voice is a distinctive feature.
If you like this song, be sure to watch the film as well.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.
Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.
promiseHirose Kōmi
A love ballad crafted by Kōmi Hirose, where passionate Latin tones intertwine with wintry northern landscapes.
Amid the biting cold and blustering north wind, two people feel each other’s warmth and vow eternal love—a romantic story that resonates deeply.
Released in November 1997, the song was featured in commercials for the sporting goods retailer Alpen and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also included on the album “rhapsody,” and its soaring high notes and passionate melodic lines left a lasting impression.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to deepen their love with someone special while wrapped in the chill of winter.
Romance? No thanks.AKB48
This was an AKB48 single released in January 2008, with Haruna Kojima and Atsuko Maeda as the centers.
It reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart and No.
11 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The music video was directed by Wataru Takeishi.