RAG Music
Lovely music

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)

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.

Lovers AgainEXILE

While it’s a bittersweet romantic ballad, this song is also a masterpiece that exudes mature allure.

Released in January 2007, it originated as the required piece for EXILE’s vocalist audition and was featured in au’s “LISMO!” campaign commercial.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart, selling over 250,000 copies, and ranked in the top 10 of karaoke charts for three consecutive years.

The melodic composition and deeply poetic lyrics that portray two lovers draw listeners in.

This track is perfect for a night when you want to spend time leisurely by candlelight or reminisce about precious memories with someone special.

It also makes a great soundtrack for a calm nighttime drive.

Be sure to give this sophisticated, adult-tinged song a listen.

normal temperatureVaundy

Crafted in Vaundy’s signature love-song style, this track was also chosen as a commercial song for Zexy.

With cool, understated vocals and a restrained arrangement, it gives off a stylish impression.

Meanwhile, the lyrics—playing on the title “Jōnetsu” (Ever-warm/Constant Heat)—sing of a straightforward love brimming with passion.

Alongside the message “I love you straightforwardly, always running hot,” it also conveys how the singer is deeply drawn to the other person, as in “When I’m with you, my heart starts pounding.” The contrast between the sound and the lyrics feels fresh, doesn’t it?

Classic songs about romance. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)

Intense RomanceMitsukiyo

[PV] Mitsukiyo | Intense Romance – Kiyoshiro Imawano & Mitsuhiro Oikawa
Intense RomanceMitsukiyo

This is a single released in October 2002 by Mitsukiyo, a collaboration unit of Mitsuhiro Oikawa and Kiyoshiro Imawano.

It peaked at number 20 on the Oricon chart.

The CD also included a remix version by Ryuichiro Yunoki.

Forever RomanceOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura Forever Romance by koming
Forever RomanceOkamura Takako

This is a single by Takako Okamura released in June 1993, which reached a peak position of 13 on the Oricon charts.

It was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s broadcast of the “Crown Prince and Masako’s Wedding Special.” Note that the album version has a slightly longer final chorus.

promiseHirose Kōmi

Kohmi Hirose – Promise (Official Video)
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.

One day, suddenlyToa e moa

A gem of a love song woven by the crystal-clear unison of a man and a woman.

The graceful melody spun by Towa Tei et Moi delicately depicts, with subtle touches, the feelings of two young people shifting from friendship to love.

Paired with its quietly emotive tone, it becomes an outstanding piece suffused with urban lyricism.

Released in 1969, it reached No.

4 on the weekly Oricon chart and became a springboard for many of their signature songs.

Gently singing of emotions blooming from the depths of the heart, it’s a track I can recommend to anyone experiencing the first stirrings of love.