Classic Japanese songs I want to listen to leisurely on the weekend
Unless we make a conscious effort, it’s hard to find time to sit back and really listen to music.
This time, we’ve picked a rich selection of Japanese songs perfect for a relaxed weekend—ranging from the latest releases to classic covers.
Highly recommended for those who prefer to spend the weekend unwinding at home.
Masterpieces of Japanese music to relax to on the weekend (1–10)
Thank you before going to bed.PSYQUI
An emotional pop tune by track maker PSYQUI, themed around a quiet city at night just before falling asleep.
It blends sophisticated electronic sounds with a lyrical melody, delicately portraying the sharpened emotions at the end of the night.
Perfect for spending time alone in a quiet room late at night, or for calming your mind while walking along nighttime streets.
It was released in October 2018 as a track on the compilation album “STYLEY! vol.2.”
SaturdayMr.Children
Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band that enjoys nationwide popularity and has long led Japan’s music scene.
Released in February 2026, their song “Saturday” is a pre-release track from their 22nd album, “Ubugoe” (First Cry).
Its lyrics, which depict a scene of relaxing in a room on a Saturday afternoon, may help anyone leading a busy life to unwind.
The band’s groove adds color to everyday life.
cherrysupittsu
Although it’s a song for an older generation, I think quite a few teenagers listen to it too.
The melody and vocals are refreshing and gentle, making it a great background music choice for spending some relaxing, personal time.
Even people who haven’t heard it much before will likely find it to be a good song, so I’d love for you to give it a listen at least once.
dead endHoshino Gen
Ikidomari, the theme song for the film A Moon in the Flatlands, by Gen Hoshino.
It’s a quiet love song composed only of piano and vocals.
The lyrics, which depict adult loss and regret—continuing to harbor feelings for someone unforgettable even while standing at a dead end—resonate deeply.
Hoshino has commented that it’s “not a song about myself, but a song that tells the story within the song in the first person,” which shows how faithfully it conveys the film’s worldview.
Please take your time and immerse yourself in its poignant afterglow.
strangeEasycome
This is a song by Easycome, an Osaka-based band known for their refreshingly nostalgic sound.
It’s included on their mini-album “Otenki Deshita,” released in August 2017.
With its bittersweet melody and Chiikama’s clear, expansive vocals, it beautifully evokes the days of youth gone by.
The lyrics portray a delicate emotional landscape where a touch of loneliness at taking a new step mingles with anticipation for the future.
It’s a perfect number for an evening drive or a relaxed moment at home.
BelieveChe’Nelle
It was a song that left a strong impression with a powerful yet beautiful voice that carries far.
It’s a very popular ballad, and I think the lyrics are very profound.
Since it was the theme song for the movie “Umizaru,” listening to this track always reminds me of Umizaru and brings back those moving emotions.
I think it’s also a soothing song that’s perfect for casual listening.
SparkleRADWIMPS
It’s a song from the film Your Name.
I think this track is guaranteed to be soothing.
The melody, the lyrics, and the vocals—all of it is healing, so I feel like you’ll want to listen to it over and over.
It’s the kind of song you want to hear during a leisurely moment, and it feels like it can lift your spirits.