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

WISHNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)

WISH

This song features a beautiful, hope-filled melody that sinks into the heart, as if sending a wish to the stars.

Nissy’s gently resonant vocals speak to the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

Released in October 2024 as part of his 10th anniversary project, it was distributed in conjunction with a large-scale dome tour, making it a track with special meaning for fans.

It’s perfect to listen to when you want to keep moving forward or envision a future with someone important to you.

It’s sure to give you courage!

Love and romanceNovelbright

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

A Novelbright song brimming with feelings of love.

Carried by the gentle tones of acoustic guitar, Yudai Takenaka’s deeply expressive vocals resonate with the heart.

Included on the album “Assort,” released in May 2022, it also drew attention for its music video featuring actress Nagisa Sekimizu.

The lyrics convey profound affection for “you” and hope for the couple’s future, sure to make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Perfect for deepening the bond with your partner or renewing your feelings for someone special.

Listen to this song, and you’ll surely feel like falling in love.

Love ParadeORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – *~Asterisk~/Love Parade/GOD69 | Live

It reflects the feelings of a man who wants to be honest with the girl he has a crush on but is frustrated that he can’t express it.

Just hearing her say she’ll come over tomorrow makes him grin and motivates him to clean up, showing how love can make you feel like you can do anything.

It portrays a simple yet straightforward heart that only men can truly understand, and it’s a song that gives you the courage to take a step forward.

If only you could hear the sound of this heartbeatSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO 'If Only You Could Hear This Beating Heart'

A cute love song that compares straightforward feelings of love to the sound of a heartbeat.

Released digitally by SHISHAMO in July 2024, the track stands out with its poppy, energetic sound.

Asako Miyazaki’s distinctive vocals vividly express emotional ups and downs.

It sweetly and poignantly captures the flutter before becoming lovers and the joy of mutual feelings—sure to make your heart skip a beat.

The cover illustration was created by Miyazaki herself.

Recommended for those who want to share in the feeling of being in love and for fans of pop music—it’s sure to resonate with you!

Sweetest TuneTravis Japan

Sweetest Tune

This sweet love song by Travis Japan is marked by a floating, airy melody.

The lyrics are packed with feelings of love that arise in everyday life and the pull you feel toward someone.

It’s striking how the song describes the special rhythm you feel when you’re with that person—and the sensation of your heart dancing—as a “sweet melody.” Released digitally in June 2024, the track was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama Tokyo Tower.

It’s perfect for those newly in love or anyone who wants to savor time with someone special.

It might be nice to listen to it together when you want to share your feelings.

I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

Yumcha’s signature song, which has sparked a huge reaction—especially among high school girls.

It’s a bright, energetic pop track that portrays a lovestruck girl doing her best to get the person she likes to notice her.

While she works on improving herself and tries various ways to appeal to them, a bittersweet sense of longing seeps through as her feelings don’t quite reach.

The song captures the inner conflict of wanting to change for someone while trying to maintain confidence in oneself, all from a relatable, down-to-earth perspective.

Released in November 2024, it quickly became a hot topic on social media.

It’s been widely used in TikTok choreography videos and on Instagram, rapidly spreading waves of empathy.

As an uplifting anthem for unrequited love, it brings comfort to many—perfect for those in the midst of a crush or anyone eager to share their feelings with someone special.

Mutual loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

This is a song by aiko that sings of a bittersweet love.

It delicately portrays feelings for the other person, the sense of distance, and the gap between ideals and reality—something many people in love will strongly relate to.

It also expresses both anxiety and hope for an unseen future, creating a tight, heart-wrenching feeling.

Released as a single in May 2024, it is aiko’s 45th single.

The song was also used as the ending theme for the anime film Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram.

It’s recommended for times when you’re troubled by love or thinking of someone special.

If you listen late at night with earphones, it will surely resonate with your heart.