[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 Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (41–50)
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.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Enjoy Under the Starry Sky (51–60)
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.
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.
Song for…HY
HY’s “Song for…” is a track born from a romantic encounter reminiscent of Tanabata.
Izumi Nakasone, who wrote and composed “Song for…,” developed mutual feelings with a man she met when she was 20, but because he was 15 at the time, she decided to end the relationship.
Five years later, they reunited, got married, and had a child.
“Song for…” is a heartrending love song Nakasone wrote right after their parting, filled with thoughts of him.
Like the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, this romantic song is a perfect fit for Tanabata, don’t you think?
Star Love LetterTHE BOOM
A song that was used as the Red Feather Community Chest’s commercial jingle.
THE BOOM also appeared in that commercial.
While rereading love letters I once wrote, this song straightforwardly expresses feelings for someone special.
Among THE BOOM’s songs, many people might say this one is the best.
When you listen to it, you start to feel as if the person they love has passed away… that’s the impression it gives.
It’s a very single-minded, wonderful love song.
If you listened to it under the Tanabata night sky, you might end up in tears.