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

Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki

Tohoshinki / Why Did I Fall in Love with You?

A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.

Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.

1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.

In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – In the Useless (Official Video)

A heartwarming song that gently portrays the love hidden in everyday, ordinary moments.

Its lyrics express love through the five senses, and a pleasant melody infused with jazz elements blends seamlessly to create a tender world that anyone can relate to.

Described by Gen Hoshino as “the first love song I wrote head-on,” the track was released as a single in March 2011 and is also included on the album Episode.

It reached No.

17 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks, gaining widespread popularity.

Singing softly about the subtleties of human relationships—exchanges between lovers and reconciliation after hurting one another—this is a recommended song for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

This is a bittersweet yet warm song that begins with a simple acoustic guitar tone.

It conveys the weight carried by the words “I love you,” intertwining a moving expression of deep love with the meaning of singing as a performer—truly a masterpiece.

Released in November 1997, its heartfelt vocals and universal message captured many hearts despite its simple sound.

It was chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall,” and has been embraced by even more listeners across generations.

With Kazuyoshi Saito’s characteristically warm vocals and memorable melody, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is recommended when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or sing with heartfelt emotion.

SOUL LOVEGLAY

GLAY / SOUL LOVE

A refreshing love song that portrays the anticipation of a new romance beginning with the arrival of spring.

The protagonist experiences a sudden, fateful encounter, and as their interactions deepen, the song carefully depicts the evolving emotions of discovering ways to live—like how to spend sleepless nights and the importance of human connection.

Released in April 1998, the track was also used as the campaign song for Kanebo Bronze Love ’98 Summer and was included on the album “pure soul,” released in July of the same year.

Its gently enveloping melody and hope-filled lyrics evoke the fluttering excitement of the start of love that everyone has felt.

It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to make a fresh start and embark on a new romance.

PRIDEImai Miki

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A gem of a love song that portrays a woman pledging her heart to the Southern Cross.

The deep affection for the lover who taught her both loneliness and freedom soaks into the heart through Miki Imai’s translucent vocals.

Written and composed by Tomoyasu Hotei, the song was released in November 1996 and topped the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Doc,” it became a massive hit, selling 1.6 million copies.

In 2006, the couple appeared together on the 57th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, delivering the performance with Hotei’s guitar accompaniment.

A heartwarming anthem that conveys the joy and ache of love, and the strength to turn feelings for a beloved into pride.

Recommended for those who want to keep moving forward while thinking of someone precious.

If I Fall in LoveKurisutaru Kei

Crystal Kay “Koi ni Ochitara” Official Music Video

A popular song by Crystal Kay that wraps a sweet, bittersweet first-love feeling in a sparkling sound.

With her clear, transparent vocals, it gently depicts that fleeting encounter when the world begins to change and the pure desire to cherish everything about the other person.

Released in May 2005, the song was used as the main theme for a Fuji TV drama and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It also earned a Million certification for ringtone downloads, garnering wide support across generations.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to relive the flutter of a first crush or remember the feelings you have for someone special.

First Love RendezvousAnimal☆Collection

[1st single] “First Love Rendezvous” MV

A new single has arrived from Animal☆Collection, an idol group themed around pets and brimming with love for adorable animals.

It’s a sweet-and-sour love song that compares the feelings of first love—meeting someone who gazes at you with gentle eyes, the moment your heart starts pounding, and the irresistible curiosity that follows—to the courtship behaviors of animals.

Since its release in July 2024, the group has held live events across Tokyo, including at Tower Records Shibuya, captivating audiences with their cute dance performances.

This track is recommended not only for dog lovers, but also for anyone who wants to relive the bittersweet memories of first love or simply warm their heart with a gentle, comforting feeling.