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

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.

B.M.S.idom

idom – B.M.S.

A heartfelt song that portrays deep love for someone special.

idom’s gentle vocals and straightforward lyrics slowly seep into your heart.

Released in July 2024, this work is a warm love song that incorporates acoustic sounds.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to savor the time with the partner by your side now, or when you want to think about the future you’ll share together.

It’s characterized by delicate depictions of love and the passage of time in everyday life, expressing the preciousness of time spent together at the end of the day, and the wish to stay by each other’s side despite anxieties about the future and growing older.

Feeling in lovemihimaru GT

mihimaru GT – Feelings of Love

Everyone wonders why they can’t stop thinking about someone, but when you spend all day thinking about the person you like—your chest tightens and you feel a bittersweet ache—it really shows how strong your feelings are.

This is a song you’ll definitely want to listen to when you’ve broken up but still like them—when you’re still in love with them.

Come, springthe shes gone

the shes gone “Spring, Come” Music Video

This is a song by the shes gone that portrays the budding feelings of new love that come with the arrival of spring.

The flutter of a lovestruck heart, the bittersweet ache, and the sweetness and complexity of romance are expressed through gentle vocals and bright guitar sounds.

The lyrics, which resonate with listeners’ everyday lives, capture the nervous excitement of the early stages of love when just meeting each other’s gaze makes your heart race, as well as the new self-discoveries that come with falling in love.

Included on the mini-album HEART released in February 2023, it’s a track that warmly embraces the feelings of someone in love.

It’s perfect for listening with your partner or when you want to convey your feelings to someone special.

By your sidewacci

wacci “By Your Side” Music Video

This is a wacci song that begins with gentle piano tones, as if nestling close to the heart of someone in love.

The desire to spend time with someone precious is expressed through warm vocals and a melodic line.

Released in June 2024, the song is a love ballad that also portrays bonds with family and friends.

The music video, set in a rural village, has also been released, reminding us of the happiness found in everyday life.

It’s perfect as background music for spending a quiet moment with your partner or someone important—you’ll surely feel your relationship deepen.

A few centimeters sentimentalkohanaramu

Kohanarun “A Few Sentimental” TV anime “The Dangers in My Heart” ending theme

A heartrending song about unrequited love.

The lyrics overflow with feelings for someone special, and Kohanaramu’s clear, transparent voice resonates deeply.

Released in April 2023 as the ending theme for the TV anime “The Dangers in My Heart,” it beautifully captures the essence of the original work.

As Kohanaramu’s first anime tie-in, the song showcases the expressive power she honed through her activities on YouTube.

It’s a track that supports those troubled by love or unable to be honest with the person they like.

Why not listen to this song and take a courageous first step? It will surely give your heart a gentle push.