[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!
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[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Listen to Under the Starry Sky (11–20)
orionYonezu Kenshi
“Orion,” which became a hit as the ending theme of the anime March Comes in Like a Lion, is a love song that singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu wrote by seeing himself in the show’s protagonist.
There are many constellations in the night sky, but each one is formed by connecting individual, separate stars.
As you gaze at the night sky, you find yourself wishing to be joined once more with the person who drifted away—like stars forming a constellation.
It’s a song overflowing with that kind of bittersweet longing.
Tonight, July 7MACO
Singer-songwriter MACO’s ballad “Tonight, July 7th” is a poignant song themed around Tanabata.
On Tanabata night, it’s said that Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to meet.
In the song, that legend is contrasted with a woman who can’t see her lover even on this special night.
The lyrics also depict the realities of a long-distance relationship in detail, making it easy to relate to.
Be sure to listen on Tanabata night and let your thoughts drift to your beloved—or to Orihime and Hikoboshi.
And pay close attention to how the song ends.
Hill Where Stars FallMISIA
A gem of a ballad by MISIA, sung with a yearning for the stars that twinkle in the night sky.
Its beautiful lyrics layer memories of the past and hopes for the future onto the stars, and her commanding five-octave voice amplifies the emotion, moving listeners to their core.
Included on her debut album Mother Father Brother Sister, released in 1998, the piece features a strikingly grand arrangement woven from strings and piano.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those in long-distance relationships or anyone quietly holding feelings for someone dear.
If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism
When it comes to Official HIGE DANDism, many people think of their hit song “Pretender.” But I really want you to know this gem, “If Only I Could Stay at Zero,” too! The song portrays the feelings of not being able to see the one you love whenever you want, and wishing you could stay together forever.
When you’re long-distance or your daily rhythms don’t line up, it’s often hard to meet as you’d like, right? It’s a love song I hope you’ll listen to on the night of Tanabata, while thinking of the partner you can’t be with.
Once moreTani Yuuki
Tani Yuuki, who thrives with his gentle singing voice, has a song that’s perfect for Tanabata: “Mou Ichido” (“Once Again”).
He wrote it during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was hard to see the people you wanted to meet, and it expresses the anxiety and loneliness of being unable to be with someone you love.
The poignant lyrics can also be heard as overlapping with the Tanabata story of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
In the final part of the song, he sings about the resolve to overcome such hardships and keep living, so I think listening to it will make you feel more positive.
Trace OrionUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Released in 2011, this is UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s fifth single.
The song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime TIGER & BUNNY.
Singing about the happiness of spending time together while gazing up at the starry sky, it’s a perfect song to sing for Tanabata, don’t you think?
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky (21–30)
WatariboshiIslet feat.Sando Aoi & Yūnagi Yoru
A beautiful ballad that sings of feelings for a loved one beneath a starry sky.
Released in July 2020, this work portrays deep affection for a distant lover through natural motifs like wind, flowers, and stars.
The crystalline vocals of Sando Aoi layered with the rich voice of Yuunagi Yoru create a result that conveys both poignancy and warmth.
Its polished quality fully justifies its track record of reaching No.
1 in the iTunes Anime category across multiple countries.
It’s a song that will quietly accompany those in long-distance relationships, or anyone spending a night apart from someone dear.