Great songs recommended for people in their 30s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.

I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – I’ve Always Loved You [Music Video]

A lyrical love song filled with memories and lingering feelings from youth.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and a voice that resonates in the heart quietly convey unfulfilled feelings and a love that passed by.

Kazuyoshi Saito’s tender vocals and guitar beautifully express nostalgia for the past and the emotions of the present.

Released in April 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for Shiseido’s IN&ON series commercials.

Since February 2017, it has also been used in Ito En’s “Oi Ocha” commercials, continuing to comfort many listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to hum at class reunions or during long-awaited get-togethers, wrapped in fond memories.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and its universally relatable lyrics will warm everyone’s hearts.

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW

[Duet with the original artist] DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku / FIELD OF VIEW’s Yuya Asaoka & CHIAKI

This song is characterized by its refreshing melody and lyrics that gradually intensify the feeling of being in love.

Captivated by the other person’s smile, it conveys a positive determination to break free from the darkness and the courage to embark on a new adventure.

Released in March 1996 by FIELD OF VIEW, the track features a powerful performance by the band and emotive vocals in perfect harmony, and it also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT.

With heartwarming lyrics by Izumi Sakai and a memorable melodic line by Tetsurō Oda, this is a highly recommended song for those who want to relate to the feelings of being in love or look back on memories of their youth.

GIFTMr.Children

Mr.Children 「GIFT」 MUSIC VIDEO

This piece begins with gentle piano tones, then unfolds into a melody that at times grows powerful and resonant—truly memorable.

Amid differing values and moments of doubt, it carries a kind message about treasuring the unique colors each person holds and recognizing one another with kindness.

Released by Mr.Children in July 2008, it warmed many hearts as an Olympic theme song.

Later, in 2012, it was featured in a Shiseido MAQuillAGE commercial, winning even broader affection.

It’s also recommended when you want to express gratitude to someone important or when your heart feels weary.

The vocals, which seem to gently embrace the brilliance everyone possesses, are sure to soothe you.

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ | Official Music Video

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.M.Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Give me an unbalanced kissTakahashi Hiro

Give me an unbalanced kiss

This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.

Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.

Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.

Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.

Song of ParentsGReeeeN

Fuboka

Warmly depicting gratitude toward parents as felt from childhood memories to adulthood, this work by GReeeeN is included on the album “Shio, Kosho,” released in June 2009.

Its heartfelt reflections on beloved parents and gentle melody resonate deeply, carefully weaving the evolving parent-child relationship throughout one’s growth.

From memories of falling asleep after playing as a child, to rebellious teenage feelings, and the realization of parental kindness and love in adulthood—the song expresses the universal emotions everyone experiences while growing up in GReeeeN’s signature pop-rock style.

Frequently used for bouquet presentations and letter readings at weddings, it is also a song many choose to dedicate with care on special occasions like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to convey appreciation to parents.