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

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.”

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.