[Tanabata Song] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky
When it comes to Tanabata on July 7, the famous story is that it’s the one day of the year when Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to meet.
Maybe because of that episode, don’t you find yourself wanting to listen to fleeting, bittersweet love songs when Tanabata comes around? In this article, we’ll introduce love songs with a Tanabata theme that we recommend, as well as tracks that will move those in long-distance relationships and romantic songs that are perfect for the night sky.
If you’re looking for BGM for a Tanabata event or want to expand your karaoke repertoire, be sure to check it out!
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
- A timeless masterpiece that lets you feel the cosmos. A space-themed song filled with dreams and love, evoking starry skies and galaxies.
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- A song perfect for fireworks that color the summer night sky
- [July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
- A love song for grown-ups. A romantic tune to listen to at night.
- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- Popular songs on MixChannel. Heart-throbbing tunes [Dance cover / Lyrics video]
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Love songs you want to listen to in summer. Love songs that color the summer.
- [Summer Love Songs] Hot and Heart-wrenching! Carefully Selected Summer Tunes of Love That Set Your Heart Ablaze
- Hidden gems of Japanese love songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Love Songs] Must-Relate! A Selection of Japanese Love Songs with Great Lyrics
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese love songs to enjoy under the starry sky (71–80)
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa
Speaking of Tanabata, there’s the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
How about this song, which feels as if it’s singing about their relationship? It’s by Thelma Aoyama, a female singer from Nara Prefecture.
It was released in 2008 as her second single, featuring the hip-hop musician SoulJa.
It’s a pure love song about thinking of you no matter how far apart we may be.
On the night of Tanabata, I want to see you.Moritaka Chisato
This is the version of the third single released in 1999 by the dress-up character Chappie, covered by Chisato Moritaka as part of her “200 Songs Self-Cover” project.
The gentle tones of acoustic guitar and percussion are comforting, and together with lyrics that evoke the trip home after a summer date, they depict a swelling feeling of longing.
It even brings back the fun times spent at a summer festival—perhaps they’re old memories? Why are summer memories so beautiful and fleeting? The desire to see someone never changes.
A wistful yet warm masterpiece, perfect for Tanabata.
Let’s go look for stardust againfukumimi
“Let’s Go in Search of Star Fragments Again” is the debut single by Fukumi, a special unit made up of artists from Office Augusta.
The group features renowned artists such as Kyoko, Masayoshi Yamazaki, and Shikao Suga.
The romantic scenario of lovers searching for star fragments beneath the summer constellations makes it perfect for Tanabata, don’t you think? Perhaps on the one day of the year they can meet, Orihime and Hikoboshi also spend their time looking for star fragments.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky (81–90)
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s “Tracing That Dream” features a melody brimming with speed and glittering piano tones that evoke a beautiful starry sky.
Released in 2020, the song was created based on Sota Taishiki’s novel “Drops of Dreams and Flowers of Stars.” Aligned with a story about a girl who has a precognitive dream of being confessed to by a boy in her class and their time together at a fireworks festival, the lyrics capture the girl’s fluttering excitement about what’s to come.
Some of you might be thinking of confessing your feelings under the beautiful stars on Tanabata night.
If so, let this song give you a gentle push!
Crayon of the Night Skymafumafu
Mafumafu’s “Yozora no Crayon” is perfect for Tanabata, letting you feel a sparkling starry sky in every note.
Released on Tanabata in 2020, the song portrays the fluttery, restless feelings of realizing you’re in love and working up the courage to confess.
Many regions haven’t entered the post-rainy season clear skies by Tanabata each year, so it’s often hard to see a beautiful starry sky.
But even on such nights, listening to this song makes you feel, just like the title says, as if vibrant crayon colors are scattered across the night sky.
If you want to confess your feelings romantically on Tanabata night, let this song fill you with the twinkling power of the stars.
Better Half (feat. JEONGHAN of SEVENTEEN)Omoinotake
Even from far away, unchanging, powerful feelings are sung with a warm melody in this moving ballad by Omoinotake.
It also drew attention for featuring SEVENTEEN member Jeonghan as a guest artist.
The melody unfolds dramatically around the theme of a long-distance relationship, and the clear, expansive vocals of Reo Fujii and Jeonghan blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.
The song is included on Omoinotake’s major second album, “Pieces,” released in January 2025, and was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2025 Winter.” It’s sure to offer comfort to those living apart from someone dear, or to anyone longing for a distant lover.
From the day I fell in love with youflumpool
A medium-tempo number that expresses overflowing emotions.
Released as a single in 2024, the year flumpool celebrated its 15th anniversary, the song looks back on days gone by and the love that grew within them under a dimly lit night sky, while singing of hope for the future.
It can be seen as a piece that connects the past, present, and future.
It will especially resonate with couples in long-distance relationships.
Try listening to it on the night of Tanabata while gazing up at the starry sky.