[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 Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (41–50)
Night sky.miwa feat. haji→
A love ballad by miwa featuring singer-songwriter Hajime.
It’s a poignant song about longing for someone you can no longer be beside, sung as a duet between Hajime’s male vocals and miwa’s female vocals.
Their back-and-forth feels like their feelings are missing each other, which deepens the sense of heartbreak.
They care for one another, yet they can’t meet… it evokes Orihime and Hikoboshi, who can only see each other once a year.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on Tanabata, gazing up at the night sky.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (51–60)
shooting starMagokoro Burazāzu
Recommended for those who want to listen to songs with a relaxed rhythm.
This is a track by the rock band Magokoro Brothers, formed in 1988.
It was released in 2001 as their 23rd single.
As the first installment of their “Farewell Song Trilogy,” it’s a poignant love song from a man’s perspective, singing of lingering feelings for someone he loved who is no longer there.
On the night of Tanabata, be sure to listen while gazing up at the starry sky.
The scent of summerLUNKHEAD
Like Orihime and Hikoboshi, who can only meet once a year, LUNKHEAD’s “Natsu no Nioi” portrays the feelings you have while waiting to finally see someone important whom you rarely get to meet.
Released in 2006, the song was used in Calbee’s “Natsu Potato” commercial, and the music video features Mikako Tabe and Takahiro Hojo, who also appeared in the ad.
In keeping with the Tanabata legend, some people may be dreaming of the romantic idea of reuniting with someone special on the day of Tanabata.
This song is there to embrace those fluttery, heart‑pounding emotions you feel until the moment you meet.
July 7Stardust Revue
Stardust Revue’s summer song “July 7” is a soothing ballad with a relaxed Latin-style rhythm.
The flowing guitar, Kaname Nemoto’s husky, conversational vocals, and the soaring chorus feel quintessentially Sta☆Revi.
Even without anything special happening, just having someone important there can make everyday life feel dramatic—this song really makes me feel that deeply.
MILKY WAYMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
It’s a song by the popular idol group Momoiro Clover Z.
It was included on their first indie single, “Momoiro Punch,” released in 2009.
The cute, beepy/electronic sound matches their vocals well.
The lyrics express a pure love song, saying, “No matter how far away you are, I love you.”
STARSNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima’s debut song “STARS” is, as the title suggests, perfect for Tanabata.
Released in 2001, it debuted at No.
3 on the Oricon charts and was used as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Kizudarake no Love Song,” in which Nakashima also appeared.
The image of searching for a star you can’t find while waiting for the light that will someday arrive is just like Orihime and Hikoboshi waiting for Tanabata.
It’s a classic that poignantly sings of the heartache of waiting for a loved one—be sure to give it a listen!
Meteors and BalladsToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
This is a single by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra released in 2010, marking their 20th anniversary.
It’s a grown-up track that shines with a jazzy mood and the cool, rugged vocals of Tamio Okuda.
Perfect for a drive, this number balances a sense of speed with laid-back ease, creating a pleasant, wonderful time.
The lyrics are a touch bittersweet yet romantic, expressing moving forward beyond sorrow, which I think suits the night of Tanabata.
Like the reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi, it’s sure to make the limited moments of a long-distance couple’s meetings feel special.
