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

Lovin’ SongSukima Suichi

Lovin’ Song

This is a Sukima Switch work that grabs your heart with a sound reminiscent of the ’90s.

Its pure, straightforward expression of emotion makes it a perfect fit as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love – Returns -,” and it’s loved by many fans.

Released as a CD single on February 21, 2024, this piece is recommended for those who cherish love-filled moments and enjoy heartwarming melodies.

While inheriting the musicality Sukima Switch has built over the years, it also hints at new challenges.

It’s truly a “love song that illuminates the listener’s heart,” one that lifts your spirits and fills you with positivity!

Tokimeki Part 1supittsu

Spitz / Tokimeki Part 1

A song that paints the flutter and ache of first love, where excitement and bittersweetness intertwine.

The candid feelings of a young person in love are conveyed through delicate melodies and beautiful lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s the lead single from Spitz’s album “Himitsu Studio,” released in May 2023.

The song was also chosen as the theme for the film “Mizu wa Umi ni Mukatte Nagareru,” harmonizing perfectly with the movie’s world.

Highly recommended for those troubled by love or hoping to express their feelings to someone special.

As you listen, why not face the emotions hidden in your heart? You’ll surely find the courage to take a new step forward.

I loveMarushii

Marcy – I Love (Official Music Video)

This is a love song that celebrates the beauty of love felt in everyday life.

It expresses the joy of starting the day by seeing your partner just after they wake up, and the desire to keep conveying love within the limited time we have.

The lyrics vividly portray real emotions, comparing the exhilaration and instability of romance to a “roller coaster.” Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Love with Friend,” it was released in May 2024.

With its refreshing, euphoric sound, it’s a track that lets you feel the happiness of days spent with a loved one.

It will particularly resonate with Gen Z listeners navigating the ups and downs of love.

First Love Killernozomi

First Love Killer

This is a song by Noshi that captures the heart-fluttering excitement at the start of love.

Many listeners will likely relate to the sweet-and-sour, slightly teasing lyrics.

Released in May 2024, the track sparked major buzz on social media, with many TikTok users posting videos set to the song.

Its youthful, fresh vocals and contemporary sound make it a perfect fit for teens and people in their twenties.

It’s especially recommended for those with unrequited love or anyone troubled by romance.

After listening, you might even find the courage to confess your feelings to your crush.

Sounds good.Ide Ayaka

Sounds good.

A heartwarming love song that sounds just like the feeling of “I love you” set to music.

Ayaka Ide’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace the emotions of someone in love.

The lyrics, which portray the dearness found within a blurred world, quietly nestle up to the hearts of those experiencing love.

Released on May 5, 2023, the track is notable for its R&B flavor.

Ide’s message about the importance of the unseen is sure to give a push to those struggling with love.

It’s a wonderful song that will make you want to listen to it with someone special.

I love you, I love you, I love you.Kōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / I love you, I love you, I love you.

This is Koda Kumi’s love ballad.

As the title suggests, it expresses the feeling of loving someone so much you can’t help it, and the wonderful feeling of loving the person you’ve just realized you care about.

Koda Kumi’s songs often have straightforward lyrics, making it easy to empathize with them, so they’re recommended when you’re in love and want something that resonates with your heart.

I wannaTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – I Wanna (Music Video)

A bittersweet and heartrending love song that portrays the uncertainty of romance and the pull of desire.

Ai Tomioka’s translucent vocals beautifully capture the push-and-pull of love and the longing for closeness.

As the title “Love Trap” suggests, it deftly weaves together both the joy and the danger of falling in love.

Released in May 2024, the track is packed with the charm of a singer-songwriter who rose to popularity on TikTok.

Perfect for anyone hoping to deepen a budding relationship.

Just listening will fill your heart with the thrill and ache of love.