Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
When you listen to music, what do you value most?
If you play an instrument, it might be the melody and structure, the guitar tone, or each instrument’s phrases.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for songs that cheer you up when you’re feeling down or want to listen to love songs, you might be focusing on the lyrics.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs packed with meaningful messages in their lyrics!
We’ve picked out powerful, message-driven tracks that will move you no matter the situation, so be sure to read the lyrics as you listen!
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- Songs with great lyrics: soothing tracks that linger in the heart and moving ballads
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- “Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
Songs with a strong message. Masterpieces of Japanese music and recommended popular tracks (21–30)
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
It was released in 2016 as Nogizaka46’s 16th single.
The song features Nanami Hashimoto in the center position, and it was announced that she would graduate and retire as she took on her first ever center role.
This song teaches us that the many “goodbyes” we will experience in life are by no means negative.
pupilŌhara Sakurako
Released in 2015 as Sakurako Ohara’s second solo single, the song was chosen as the support anthem for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Her performance at Saitama Stadium, where the tournament’s final was held, drew significant attention.
It also marked her first attempt at crafting a message song that reflects her true, unfiltered self.
Tears of MagnoliaStardust Revue
It’s a track included on Stardust Revue’s 1993 album CD “SOLA,” which was also released as a single that same year.
Dedicated to someone who has ascended to heaven, this eternal love ballad features passionately repeated phrases that become ever more powerful and sorrowful.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
Released in 2013 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single.
The song was used as the theme for the Toho-distributed film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s an impressive track with upbeat, easy-to-understand lyrics for children and a pop sound that lifts your spirits.
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
Released in 2003 as Ulfuls’ 24th single.
It was used as the ending theme for NHK General’s “Salaryman NEO.” It’s a quintessential Ulfuls song—uncompromisingly straightforward and simple—carrying a warm yet passionate message: no matter what happens, it’s okay; just being alive is enough.
Footsteps of TimeKobukuro
It was released in 2008 as Kobukuro’s 16th single.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Oh! My Girl!!” and for the TBS drama “Natsu Uta Drama SP: A Gift of Happiness,” and it also served as a motif for the latter.
It’s a song about Kobukuro’s encounter, one that makes you feel grateful for meeting someone special.
A Song for XXHamasaki Ayumi
It’s the song of the same name included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s first original album, “A Song for ××,” released in 1999.
The lyrics express complex emotions wavering between adulthood and childhood.
Along with Hamasaki’s striking lyrics—she was a charismatic figure at the time—the song resonated with many young people.