[2026] Japanese songs to listen to when you're in love: A collection of J-pop classics

When I think of youTOKIO

When I Think of You Kimi Wo Omou Toki TOKIO Tomoya Nagase Nagase Tomoya

When introducing TOKIO’s songs, there’s no way we can leave out this jewel of a ballad! It’s one of the group’s masterpieces—a beautifully mellow love ballad.

Delicate guitar tones gently intertwine with vocals that are sweet yet tinged with sadness.

The song is written from the perspective of a shy man, and the way it carefully portrays the wavering of a heart in love is truly captivating, don’t you think? Released in February 1999, it also served as the theme song for their flagship variety show and was included on the acclaimed album “YESTERDAY & TODAY.” It’s a track that stays close to your heart on quiet nights when you’re thinking of someone special.

youHY

You / HY

It’s a ballad sung by Izumi Nakasone from HY.

I love it so much, but I’m clumsy with words, so I can’t express it well.

I think everyone becomes timid when they fall for someone.

Of course, being in love isn’t all fun.

This is a song that makes me listen closely, realizing that I love you so much it makes me anxious.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

Back Number – Hanako-san on a High Pedestal

This song expresses the feelings of a man in love.

He wants to make the girl he likes fall for him, but he doesn’t have the courage to do so right now.

Still, he wants to always be by her side, seeing her smile.

It’s bittersweet—he misses her so much it hurts—and the song conveys just how deeply he loves her.

GO FOR IT!Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'GO FOR IT!! (short ver.)'

It’s a cheer song for women in love who, despite the common fears we all have—like not wanting to get hurt or disliked—decide to be brave because they also don’t want someone else to take the person they like.

It’s natural to feel anxious when you’re in love, but listen to this song, summon your courage, and try your best to express your feelings.

Your feelings will surely reach them.

LOVE NEVER DIESMISIA

MISIA – LOVE NEVER DIES (Official Music Video)

This song, released in May 2025 as the title track of the first original album in about three and a half years, features lyrics written by MISIA and composition by Toshiaki Matsumoto, known for “Everything.” Inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the lyrics explore the theme of undying love.

It’s a danceable number that fuses an emotional melody with rousing arrangements—a hopeful anthem that supports those at life’s turning points and those who want to believe in eternal love.

I hate this love songchanmina

I hate this love song

This is a heartfelt love song by Chanmina that vividly captures the sweet-and-sour and complicated feelings of first love.

Written as the theme song for the film based on Yoru Sumino’s work, “Ka『』ku『』shi『』go『』to『」, it is set for release in May 2025.

With lyrics that convey the frustration of wanting to tell the truth but being unable to, and a delicate yet cute vocal tone, it leaves a strong impression.

The sound blends elements of hip-hop and R&B with the accessibility of pop.

Listening to it will likely bring back memories of your first love and tighten your chest with emotion.

Having someone you likeJY

JY 'Have Someone You Like' Music Video Short Ver.

A refreshing love song by JY that delicately captures the subtle stirrings of realizing you’re in love.

Though the protagonist struggles with frustration at not being able to be completely honest, they keep looking forward, believing they can “start over as many times as it takes,” making it a story anyone can see themselves in.

Lively guitar and a dynamic melody line further elevate the feelings of being in love.

Released in August 2016, the song was used as the main theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, and its music video—directed by Mika Ninagawa—also drew attention.

It’s perfect not only for those wrestling with romance, but also for anyone who wants to reaffirm their straightforward feelings for someone they love.