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

Unrequited loveGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE / Unrequited Love

This song evokes the love of teenage years—a romance that can’t come true just yet, but one day I want to confess these feelings to you.

It conveys the bittersweet heart of young love.

There are days when the whole day slips by just from thinking of a single word to say to talk to you, yet even that feels like a joy—such a pure song.

We’re officially a couple!HoneyWorks feat. Hattori Juri (CV: Sakura Ayane)

We’re Officially a Couple! feat. Juri Hattori (CV: Ayane Sakura) / HoneyWorks

This song expresses a sweet yet bittersweet feeling of love.

The emotions of a woman who has fallen for an older man are beautifully portrayed through HoneyWorks’ refreshing melody and Ayane Sakura’s clear, transparent vocals.

Included on the album “Hey, Love Hurts.

~Confession Executive Committee Character Song Collection~,” the track was released in March 2023.

Created as part of the “Confession Executive Committee” series, it is one piece within a project that depicts various episodes related to romance.

It’s a recommended song for those experiencing unrequited love or hoping to confess their feelings to someone special.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to take that first step?

100-yen kissLET ME KNOW

100-yen kiss

This is a song by LET ME KNOW that brilliantly captures the complexities of being in love.

It portrays the bittersweet resolve to not cross the line, even as the person you meet becomes more beautiful each time.

With its refreshing guitar sound and lively rhythm, it’s a perfect track for the season when you feel like falling in love.

Released on May 29, 2024, this gem was created less than half a year after the band formed.

The lyrics, which tell of a slightly flighty crush on someone who already has a boyfriend, are especially memorable.

It’s recommended not only for those struggling with love, but also for anyone who wants to reminisce about their youth.

I MISS YOULINDBERG

I MISS YOU

This classic song depicts a love story that begins under the smile of the goddess of fate.

As the seasons shift from late spring to winter, it portrays how the relationship between the two deepens.

Released in October 1991 as LINDBERG’s ninth single, it also drew attention as the lead single from the mini-album “EXTRA FLIGHT.” The lyrics, filled with feelings of continuing to think of someone even from afar and the wish to keep smiling, are sure to resonate with many.

It’s especially recommended for those with unrequited love or for anyone who has experienced parting from someone important.

Why not listen to this song and think of the person who matters to you?

I melt when I’m in front of you.Leina

Leina “I Melt When I’m In Front of You - Kimi no Maedato Tokechauno” MV

This is a song by Leina that gently sings about the bittersweet feeling of losing yourself in front of someone you love.

Released in August 2024, it blends a pop sound with ballad-style lyrics in a perfect match.

You get nervous and can’t find the words, you can’t show your true self when you’re with them… If you’ve ever felt that way, you’ll likely relate right away.

The music video, featuring actors Karasu Hayashi and Shiori Iwanami, is now available.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those bewildered by their first love or struggling to express their feelings to someone important.

You liked thisMina

MINA | ‘The Music Video You Liked’

This is a song by MINA that vividly depicts the heart of someone in love.

Set in the era of social media, it sings about emotions swayed by a single “like.” The ups and downs triggered by a crush’s actions are portrayed with striking realism.

A love story unfolding in the digital world is sure to resonate with many.

Released for streaming in June 2024, it’s included on the album “Airou,” which came out in July of the same year.

It’s a perfect track for anyone whose feelings are tossed around by social media.

Listening to this song might give you the courage to express your true feelings.

LetterMs. OOJA

Ms.OOJA – Letter (Short ver.)

This is a song that says thank you for the fact that there’s a day like today, that we can laugh and cry—not things we can do alone—and for meeting you in this wide world.

It’s a song that lets you realize how precious it is to fall in love, because I want to keep expressing this gratitude forever, so please stay by my side forever.