[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 (31–40)
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.
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.
Night on the Galactic RailroadGOING STEADY
When I think of a song I’d like to sing while making a wish upon the stars, the first one that comes to mind is GOING STEADY’s “Night on the Galactic Railroad.” Sharing its title with Kenji Miyazawa’s work, this song truly evokes a mystical atmosphere that feels like the very sound of the starry world.
It’s not exactly a Tanabata song, but it’s one of the songs I’d love to sing while wishing on the stars.
The Empty One Beside the Star ~Orihime~ura man P
If you’re looking for a slightly dark-humored Tanabata song, I recommend “The Airhead Next to the Stars ~Orihime~” by Ie no Ura de Manbou ga Shinderu-P.
Longing to meet Hikoboshi, whom she can hardly see on Tanabata because of bad weather, Orihime searches for a kappa that can cross the Milky Way—yet somehow ends up getting absorbed in running a company.
When she finally meets a kappa and asks it to bring Hikoboshi to her, the story comes to an “oh dear” kind of ending.
It’s a number that portrays the bittersweet Tanabata legend with a comical, dark twist.
Did Orihime ever meet Hikoboshi? Find out with your own ears.
planetariumBUMP OF CHICKEN
Just by listening to the sound, an image of a starry sky springs to mind, doesn’t it? It’s a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a rock band from Chiba Prefecture.
It was released in 2005 as their ninth single.
In the stars of a homemade planetarium, you see the figure of someone dear, and think of them.
It leaves you with a kind of bittersweet feeling, doesn’t it? Please listen while gazing up at the night sky.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (41–50)
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.
From Tanabatakariyushi 58
The song “From Tanabata,” included on Kariyushi58’s 2017 album “Kawari Yoshi, Kawari Nashi.” It’s a track that reminisces about an unforgettable past love on a morning when one feels helpless.
Its very calm, understated melody captures those sudden moments of loneliness beautifully.
The depiction of wishing for an unforgettable lover’s happiness is heartrending, yet it feels very warm.
The wish may reach no one, but perhaps more people than we think make wishes on Tanabata, gazing at tanzaku slips or the starry sky.