[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 (31–40)
planetariumOtsuka Ai
Released in 2005, Ai Otsuka’s song “Planetarium.” Known for the lively image of her hit “Sakuranbo,” Ai Otsuka also shines in this ballad—a popular love song among women for karaoke.
It conjures up the scene of a heartbroken woman wishing upon the stars.
The Empty One Beside the Star ~Kappa~Ie no ura de manbō ga shinderu P
This is a song by the unit of Yo Takahashi and Tsukasa Ryugu, produced by “Mambo Is Dead Behind My House P.” It’s one of the three Tanabata-themed songs, along with “Hikoboshi Edition” and “Orihime Edition.” The protagonist of the lyrics in this song is a kappa, who seems to have a way to cross the Milky Way.
The lyrics are comical and unique, but by the end you realize it’s a truly lovely love song.
It’s a wonderful track that reveals the deep love between Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Be sure to listen to it with someone you like or your partner on Tanabata.
milky wayL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
The lyrics convey a straightforward message: wanting to see the one you love.
It’s a song by L’Arc~en~Ciel, a rock band that has been active in the Japanese music scene for many years.
It’s included on their fifth album, HEART, released in 1998.
That sweet singing voice is irresistible! Incidentally, there’s also a rearranged version released under their part-switching band name, P’UNK~EN~CIEL.
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
When it comes to songs that evoke a starry sky, isn’t The Alfee’s “Hoshizora no Distance” the first that comes to mind? Released in 1984 as The Alfee’s 17th single, it’s one of their signature tracks, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
The chorus—one of The Alfee’s strengths—is richly layered and incredibly powerful.
This song, which sings of love blazing under the starry sky, is perfect for Tanabata, when Orihime and Hikoboshi meet just once a year.
With its up-tempo, rock-driven sound, it’s also a great choice for your karaoke repertoire!
planetariumikimonogakari
Planetarium,” the theme song for the drama “Cat Street.” It’s a catchy ballad that’s very much like Ikimono-gakari.
There are times when anyone has to part from someone important or their friends and walk on alone.
But surely, we’re all walking while looking up at the same sky.
It’s a masterpiece that makes you want to move forward while holding tight to the days you spent with that person.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (41–50)
Star-Weaving SongKagamine Rin / Kagamine Len
Modeled after the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, Hoshi-Ori Uta weaves a poignant love story for Tanabata.
Sung by Kagamine Rin and Kagamine Len, this song was released under the joint name Hitoshizuku-P × Yama△ by Hitoshizuku-P and Yama△.
It conveys the feelings of someone who continues to think of a beloved person who has passed away, wishing they could go to where that person is.
The beauty of the lyrics and the solemn atmosphere of the melody heighten the song’s sense of longing.
On a Tanabata night when you’re heartsick over an unrequited love or missing someone you can’t meet, give this song a listen.
starfishELLEGARDEN
When it comes to songs about stars by rock bands, this is the one.
It’s a track by ELLEGARDEN, a band that represents the rock scene of the 2000s.
It’s included on their third album, Pepperoni Quattro, released in 2004.
Just hearing the guitar riff in the intro gets you hyped—it’s an energetic tune.
The vocals and melody in the chorus feel great.