[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)
Wish Upon a Starflumpool
The reworked and polished number “Wish Upon a Star” originates from their indie days.
It’s a love song that looks back on nights spent stargazing together and follows the resolve to go see a cherished person who is no longer by one’s side.
Perhaps the two in this song once wished upon a shooting star to “always be together.” It’s a perfect track for Tanabata, when the separated Orihime and Hikoboshi are said to reunite.
The song was also featured in an NTT Communications “MUSICO” commercial.
A night when stars fallFUKI
A summer song by FUKI, whose natural, warm singing voice is so appealing.
When you look up at the night sky, you can’t help but picture the face of someone you love and feel a flutter in your chest.
On a summer night when it feels like the stars might spill from the sky—especially if it’s Tanabata—it’s even more magical.
You don’t need gifts or anything special; you just want to be together.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to while thinking of that person.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Listen to Under the Starry Sky (31–40)
crescent moonayaka
Released in 2006, “Mikazuki” is Ayaka’s signature song, a major hit that came out the same year as her debut.
It’s a love ballad that sings of feelings and wishes for a lover in a long-distance relationship.
It’s the kind of love song you’d want to sing while gazing up at the night sky, filled with thoughts of your partner.
Night of the Sixth-Magnitude StarAimer
Aimer’s debut single “Rokutousei no Yoru,” beloved for her distinctive husky voice.
In addition to being the ending theme of the anime NO.6, it gained attention in 2017 when it was selected as the theme song for a planetarium.
Crystal-clear piano paired with vocals that are delicate yet powerful.
It’s a masterpiece that evokes the light of a sixth-magnitude star—certainly shining, even without the intensity of a first- or second-magnitude star.
Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI
“Starlight Parade” is a song written in 2011 as a joint radio campaign song by NHK and the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association.
In 2014, it was also used in a commercial for Toyota’s Ractis.
The track features strings and timpani, creating a grand, beautifully lush sound.
It’s perfect for listening under the starry sky on Tanabata.
While the song itself was produced for a radio program and isn’t directly related to Tanabata, it’s sure to enliven the night of the festival.
The Orihime of touch typingKirinji
This is a song by Kirinji, a band from Saitama Prefecture known for their easy-on-the-ears pop sound and uniquely lyrical worldview.
It was included on the Sweet Soul EP, released in 2003.
The lyrics portray an overflowing affection for someone they love.
The light, upbeat rhythm and gentle vocals are soothing.
Isn’t it a lovely classic that puts the heart at ease?
Two Stars40mP
Just as 40mP, who composed the song to be listened to under a starry sky, says, “Futariboshi” is a track you’ll want to hear beneath a beautiful Tanabata night sky filled with shining stars.
Created for Tanabata, this love song overlays two stars gleaming in the night sky with yourself and someone special.
Like a pair of stars shining side by side, you want to stay with that important person forever.
The lyrics, filled with sweet yet passionate feelings, make your heart flutter! It’s a number that makes you think, “I want to experience a love like this—I want to go see my special someone right now.”
