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

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet love song where pure feelings for love and music intertwine.

The earnest desire to let the person you like hear what matters most to you is conveyed through Aimyon’s clear, translucent voice.

It’s a song whose clumsy confession—wanting to bridge the distance through the music of rock—resonates deeply.

Released in August 2017, it has surpassed 300 million streams, capturing the hearts of many listeners.

It’s the perfect track for those in a bittersweet romance or anyone wishing to bask in memories with someone special.

Ti AmoEXILE

EXILE / Ti Amo

A story of forbidden love portraying a bittersweet, mature romance.

EXILE’s earnest vocals beautifully capture the feelings of a woman consumed by her relationship with a married man.

The melancholic love depicted alongside the passionate melody is sure to strike a chord with many listeners.

Released in September 2008, the song was also featured in a commercial for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss chocolate, and went on to win the Grand Prize at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

The music video, set in 1920s Shanghai, superbly brings the work’s world to life.

It’s the perfect track for a late night in a lounge, gazing at the soft glow of candlelight and dreaming of adult romance.

dearestFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.

While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.

The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.

As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.

Night on the Planetkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp – “Night on the Planet” (MUSIC VIDEO)

A gem-like love song by CreepHyp that delicately portrays the bittersweet longing for past romance and the wavering emotions caught between that and a happy life in the present.

This piece, which also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Just Remembering,” layers past love over present life, creating a melancholic mood with its relaxed tempo.

At night, we sink into old memories, and by morning they fade as if melting away.

With Sekai Kan Ozaki’s delicate expressive power, it beautifully captures these subtle feelings that everyone has experienced.

It’s the perfect song to listen to together on a special anniversary, as you look back on the memories you’ve shared.

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.

Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.

Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.

You are here—that’s everything.Kotora

[80’s JAPANESE CITY POP] Realizing love after losing it | You being here—that’s everything

This is a love ballad by Kotora, marked by gentle piano melodies and delicate strings.

It tenderly and carefully portrays the happiness that comes from having someone you love and the immense presence they hold in your life.

Released on YouTube in March 2025, the song fully conveys pure feelings of love and the desire to cherish the other person, earning high praise from fans.

Its soothing music and lyrics, filled with sincere emotions, will resonate with anyone who cares deeply for someone.

It’s a perfect track for moments when your feelings of love grow stronger or as background music while spending time with someone special.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Little Love Song

This is a song that expresses love and bonds in a simple and sincere way.

Included on the 2001 album MESSAGE, it sold over 2.8 million copies—an exceptional achievement for an independent release in Japan.

Created by MONGOL800, the piece gently sings about the presence of someone dear who’s right by your side and the warmth felt in everyday life.

Depicting a universal form of love that goes beyond romance, the song was used as the ending theme for the anime Teasing Master Takagi-san and The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and it was even adapted into a film in 2019.

It’s recommended for those who want to share precious moments with a loved one or create lasting memories at life’s milestone occasions.