[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 (51–60)
COSMIC BOXYU-KI
YUKI’s “COSMIC BOX” is her 19th single, released in 2009.
The song is especially striking for its stylish, cool piano performance.
It was used as the theme song for the 2009 film “Go Find a Psychic!” directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro.
The lyrics, which feature not only the Milky Way but also the moon and the Earth, evoke a sparkling, somewhat fantastical image.
With its relaxed groove, “COSMIC BOX” is also great for karaoke—women in particular should give it a try!
Orihime and BABY feat. Shio Leilaneguse.
This is a duet song with a pleasant, groove-driven R&B foundation, themed around Tanabata.
The rock band Neguse., whose TikTok hit is still fresh in our minds, presents their first featuring collaboration, welcoming singer-songwriter Rei-la Ushio as a guest.
The frustration of not being able to meet despite caring for each other, and the sweet hope for a future where they live together someday, are artfully conveyed through the interplay of their transparent, intertwining vocals.
Released in June 2025, the song has also been selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s popular variety show “What’s Wrong with Being Kinda Shady?” and is drawing attention.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re in the mood to savor the thrills and heartache of love.
telepathyORANGE RANGE
This is a hit number by Orange Range, a hybrid band that sparked a huge boom for a time.
With its very pop sound, just listening to it will quickly lift your spirits.
It often goes unnoticed, but the lyrics can also be interpreted as a song about a long-distance relationship, so it might be nice to listen with that in mind.
Milky Way ~Your Song~BoA
The meaning of “Milky Way” is the Milky Way (the Galaxy).
It’s a song by BoA, a South Korea–born singer-songwriter known for tracks like “VALENTI” and “Meri Kuri.” It was included as the coupling track on “DOUBLE,” her 11th single released in 2003.
The song conveys a message to a loved one who is far away.
It’s an upbeat dance number.
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese Love Songs to Hear Under the Starry Sky (61–70)
meteorFLOW
It’s a song about being apart from someone important, yet always thinking of them under the same sky.
It’s by FLOW, a twin-vocal rock band, released in 2004 as their third major-label single.
The crisp guitar riffs and somewhat wistful melody really stick with you.
The chorus is so catchy you can’t help but hum along.
Poem of the StarsMILLEA
The song I want to listen to while thinking of someone I can’t meet on the night of Tanabata is MILLEA’s “Hoshi no Uta” (Poem of the Stars).
Chosen as the 2016 theme song for the “Tenku no Rakuen: Japan’s Best Starry Sky Night Tour” held in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, it’s included on the mini-album of the same title.
In the music video, the starry sky of Achi Village—recognized as Japan’s best—unfurls alongside the enchanting shadow theater of the contemporary shadow-play troupe KAKASHIZA, making it wonderfully romantic.
Even if the person you wanted to gaze at the beautiful stars with isn’t by your side, looking up at that same sky can make you feel as if they’re close.
This tender yet wistful song wraps even a slightly lonely Tanabata night in warmth.
A night of hundreds of millions of stars that seem about to fallRAG FAIR
This is a song by the male a cappella vocal group RAG FAIR.
It was released in 2006 as their 13th single.
It drew attention when it was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Ucchikuru!?”.
The song’s ethereal tone, which evokes a sense of nostalgia, is striking.
The lyrics convey a poignant longing—an aching desire to see someone dear.