Romantic masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Life is BeautifulHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Life is Beautiful (Music Video)

A heartwarming song that’s perfect for peaceful moments by the sea.

Dai Hirai’s gentle voice, paired with soothing sounds of ukulele and acoustic guitar, quietly reminds us just how precious the small joys of everyday life are.

The message embedded in this piece—“Life is beautiful”—guides the heart toward those sparkling moments we tend to overlook in our busy days.

Released in June 2016 as the title track of the acclaimed album “Life is Beautiful,” it also became well-loved as the theme for House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.

Whether you’re lost in thought on a beach at sunset or standing at a turning point in life, this song is sure to resonate deeply with the listener.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

Again and Again – DREAMS COME TRUE (Full)

This is a classic by DREAMS COME TRUE that evokes overseas rock, with high-toned vocals springing to life over a looping guitar riff.

By using repetition effectively, it creates a trippy sensation, resulting in a track imbued with a romance that feels as if you’re being led into another world.

Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki

Tohoshinki / Why Did I Fall in Love with You?

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.

energy flowSakamoto Ryuichi

Ryuichi Sakamoto — energy flow

This is a masterpiece whose delicate, translucent piano tones gently soothe the heart.

The clear, pristine melody played by Ryuichi Sakamoto tenderly accompanies the listener, like a breeze rippling across the surface of water.

Released in May 1999 as a theme for a Daiichi Sankyo pharmaceutical commercial, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first instrumental work to top the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, its simple yet deeply expressive sound resonating with many.

Its pleasant sense of weightlessness offers a moment of peace from a busy day, aids concentration, and provides a serene companion for quiet reading—creating a truly healing experience.

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.

Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.

Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.

A Naked Heartaimyon

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song is striking for its honest emotional shifts.

Released in June 2020 as Aimyon’s 10th single, it was created as the theme song for the TBS drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” Its gentle melody, centered on piano and melodica, closely accompanies the protagonist’s feelings as they face their own heart.

The track portrays a down-to-earth struggle with self-esteem through love, and its unadorned lyrics have resonated with many listeners.

While expressing anxiety and inner conflict in romance, it also carries a resolve to move forward, making it a perfect pick for stress-relieving karaoke time.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again

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.