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

Say I doTravis Japan

Travis Japan – ‘Say I do’ Music Video

An emotional love song that sings of a sweet romance.

Travis Japan’s single “Say I do” has been selected as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Honnou Switch” and will be released in March 2025.

The song beautifully aligns with the world of the drama starring group member Kaito Miyachika, depicting the pure feelings of first love through their characteristically expressive vocals.

Its polished melody line and arrangement deliver an internationally flavored finish that transcends the bounds of J-pop.

Give it a listen when you’re chatting about love with friends, or when you can’t quite put your feelings for someone special into words.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN

DEEN 'I Want to Steal You Away Just Like This (DEEN The Best DX)' Music Video

Starting from a mood of quietly gazing at the cityscape, DEEN’s debut song gives voice to the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Carried by a characteristically poignant ballad melody, the deep sorrow of losing a lover and the powerful desire to win them back resonate in the listener’s heart.

Released in March 1993, it was later featured in a pager commercial and reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, becoming a massive hit with total sales exceeding 1.3 million copies.

Fully expressing the feelings of reflecting on a love that has ended, the song—highly acclaimed for the quality of both its lyrics and melody—has been covered by many artists.

Cherished as a staple at weddings and karaoke alike, it continues to comfort and encourage those who have experienced heartbreak.

Primalorijinarurabu

Primal / Original Love

A heartwarming love song that begins with the bittersweet feeling of gazing up at a loved one’s window in the stillness of a snowy, pre-dawn winter morning.

It’s one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature tracks, brimming with the joy and ache of love and a yearning for eternity.

Takao Tajima’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with arrangements infused with soul and funk, creating a sophisticated, urban soundscape.

Released in February 1996, it drew attention as a TV drama theme song and reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to cherish pure feelings for someone you love—one that gently stays by your heart.

Its beautiful lyrics and melody continue to captivate many listeners to this day.

An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

A poignant song that gently portrays the love of a couple who have spent many years together.

Released digitally in February 2025, it drew attention for its storytelling and heart-stirring harmonies.

Written specifically for the film “A Love Letter in the 35th Year,” the piece conjures the image of a husband who, after retiring, learns to write so he can put his feelings for his wife into words—allowing the bond between the two to come through.

Motohiro Hata’s warm vocals and the delicate melody are truly wonderful.

It’s a supreme ballad, overflowing with love.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho

Surely more than anyone else in the world

This work by Miho Nakayama and WANDS was a major hit, selling over one million copies in just 20 days after its release in October 1992.

It drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Someone Loves Her” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The fusion of rock-tinged arrangement and gentle melody creates a beautifully balanced harmony.

When you want to reminisce about love or reflect on someone special, be sure to listen to this heartfelt, jewel-like ballad that will resonate with your heart.

LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LA･LA･LA LOVE SONG with NAOMI CAMPBELL [Official Video Short ver.]

An R&B masterpiece ballad that lifts your spirits like a carousel.

It beautifully captures both the sweetness and the ache of romance.

Toshinobu Kubota’s silky vocals and Naomi Campbell’s whisper-like chorus blend in exquisite harmony.

Released in May 1996, it became a breakout hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation,” selling 1.856 million copies and winning the Japan Record Award for Excellence.

With a warmth that gently wraps the rain in your heart, this song is perfect for those newly in love and for adults who cherish precious memories.

HappinessChe’Nelle

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad overflowing with love for that special someone.

The pure feelings of wanting to stay by their side and the simple happiness of their mere existence are gently wrapped in a clear, pristine vocal.

Released by Che’Nelle in October 2014, the song drew attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Dear Sister,” and was later included on the album “Che’Nelle World.” Its lyrics—marked by an earnest desire to express one’s true feelings, even clumsily, and a powerful sense of devotion—will gently encourage those who struggle to put their love into words.