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

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

A signature song by Are-kun that captures the sweetness and ache of unrequited love.

It portrays the pain of feelings that grow stronger for someone you love, yet never reach them—making it a masterpiece that resonates with many.

The phrase “Suki ni saseta kuse ni” (“You made me fall for you”) is especially striking, powerfully conveying the turmoil of being tossed around by the other person’s attitude.

Released in September 2020, it has surpassed 10 million views on YouTube, and was later included on the major-label debut album ‘Breath’ released in September 2021.

Anyone who’s experienced a crush or heartbreak will find themselves relating to it.

If you’re struggling with love, why not listen to this song and sort out your feelings?

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.

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.