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

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.

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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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.

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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