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

Darling Darlingyuka

Yuka “Darling Darling” Music Video

Yuka is a singer-songwriter who studied piano and vocal music from a young age and continued pursuing music even after entering the workforce, ultimately making her major debut.

Her digital single “Darling Darling,” released on July 5, 2023, features a musical-style arrangement with a West Coast vibe that really sticks in your ears.

The lyrics, which portray the feelings of a woman who wants to be adorably coquettish but can’t quite pull it off, are likely to resonate with many people in relationships.

It’s a cute pop tune with a refreshing, summery sound that feels wonderfully pleasant.

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Hoshino Takashi

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aloeFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Aloe” Official Music Video – Ending Theme Song for the drama ‘By the Irori at Ms. Alice’s House’

This is a song by Masato Funatsu, woven with delicate words and melody, slated for release in January 2025.

It tenderly sings of the frustrating emotions born from a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers—hearts so close, yet unable to draw nearer—wrapped in a gentle vocal delivery.

Also selected as the ending theme for the drama “Alice-san’s Irori Hearth,” the track harmonizes beautifully with the show’s warm portrayal of human relationships.

Love takes many forms, and this song resonates with listeners who find their hearts wavering in ambiguous relationships, offering comfort and empathy to many.

Flowerka

Hana – Flower (Official Music Video)

Hana, known as the “Reiwa-era charismatic gyaru,” has also drawn attention for making her debut through LDH’s artist discovery project.

Her first single is Flower.

It’s a pop song that captures the excitement and bittersweet feelings of falling in love.

By also portraying jealousy, it becomes a track that’s easy to relate to.

Be sure to check out the music video depicting a summer romance and Hana’s fashion in it as well—you can really feel the gyaru vibe there too.

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yamamoto

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What I want to conveyAbe Mao

Mao Abe – Tsutaetai Koto [Official Music Video]

This song, by singer-songwriter Mao Abe, gives you a straightforward push with plain, unadorned words.

As the title suggests, it sings, “If there’s something you want to tell someone important to you, say it out loud!” If you storm out after a fight with your partner, listening to this track might help you cool down a bit.

It reminds you of the importance of honestly voicing feelings like “I’m sorry” and “Thank you for everything.”

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Hane Keisuke

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I only know the last note.＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 15th Single 'Only Know the Last Note' [MV full]

=LOVE is a voice-actor unit formed in 2017 as the first group produced by Rino Sashihara.

Their 15th single, “I Only Know the Last Note,” also drew attention for featuring the youngest member, Kiara Saito, as center.

The lyrics portray unrequited love for someone who already has a special person, and those with similar experiences may find their memories overlapping.

With its transparent ensemble and wistful melody that lingers in the ear, it’s a sentimental number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I wonderDa-iCE

Da-iCE / 'I wonder' Music Video | Theme song for the drama 'Kururi: Who Fell in Love with Me?'

This is a Da-iCE song that sings about the flutter of the heart the moment you fall in love and the ache of not being able to confess your feelings.

It was released in April 2024 as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Kururi: Who Did I Fall in Love With?”.

With sensory expressions that portray shifting emotions, the lyrics gently nudge listeners forward and leave a strong impression.

It’s a track that empathizes with those troubled by love and gives them the courage to move ahead.

Da-iCE’s captivating twin vocals spanning four octaves vividly express the heart of someone in love.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re ready to take a new step or when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone.

Shapes Of LoveEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / Shapes Of Love（from「ELT 15th Anniversary Concert Tour “ORDINARY”」）

This is a song by Every Little Thing that I want to listen to when I’m in love.

It’s unrequited now, but someday I want to seize this love! It’s also a support song for girls in love who are determined to make the person turn around and notice them.

When I listen to this song, it strangely fills me with courage and makes me feel like, “I’m definitely going to make this a mutual love.”