[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 listen to under the starry sky (21–30)
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.
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.
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?
Tears Sparkle☆supittsu
Some of you might often sing it at karaoke.
It was released in 1995 as the 12th single.
The lyrics’ word choices are lovely—stars in the summer night sky you gaze up at with someone you love.
The overall tone is refreshing, and the guitar’s rich, dimensional timbre leaves a strong impression.
It feels like a song you can enjoy not only for Tanabata, but throughout the entire summer.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing) became a hot topic as an insert song for a drama of the same name.
Its intro, starting with guitar said to depict a shooting star, leaves a strong impression.
The vocalist and lyricist Motoo Fujiwara remarked that it’s “not a love song but a song about rain,” yet the lyrics seem to let different stories surface depending on the listener.
Isn’t that a bit like constellations, which change shape depending on how you look at them?
July 7, sunnyDREAMS COME TRUE
This is a song by Dreams Come True that was tied in as the theme for the 1996 film “July 7th, Clear Skies.” It’s a slightly bittersweet Tanabata song that sings about believing in miracles and making wishes on Tanabata.
It makes you feel like you wish your feelings for the person you want to see could reach them on Tanabata.
meteorKobukuro
Released in 2010, Kobukuro’s ballad “Ryusei” centers on the theme of stars.
A grand, star-filled sky and the sight of a wish-bearing shooting star are expressed through Kobukuro’s harmonies and lyrics.
It’s a love song that conveys the feeling of a fate pulling two lovers together even as they pass each other by.