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

EYES ON YOUNishino Kana

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Song] 'EYES ON YOU' MV Full

It’s a captivating track that grabs listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.

Released by Kana Nishino in July 2024, this song features striking lyrics themed around love, anxiety, and a vow of eternity.

Its sound blends pop and R&B elements, layered with Nishino’s distinctive vocals that seep into the listener’s heart.

Many will likely relate to the feeling that saying just “I love you” isn’t enough.

As her first single since returning from a hiatus, it became a major topic in the music world.

I fall in love with you againNishino Kana

Kana Nishino “Falling in Love with You Again” MV Full

It’s a sweet and bittersweet song by Kana Nishino that makes feelings of love bubble up.

The lyrics delicately depict the emotions of unrequited love and really resonate.

Realizations like “feeling down after noticing the person you like likes someone else,” and “deciding to give up, only to have your heart waver again when they reach out” are beautifully expressed.

It was released digitally in August 2024 and included in Love Again in September.

It’s recommended not only for those struggling with love, but also for anyone who wants to remember the purity of first feelings.

How about listening to this song and awakening the sleeping feelings of love within you?

Into MeNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Into Me' lyric video

A sweet and bittersweet song that sings the feelings of a girl in love! Kana Nishino’s crystal-clear voice expresses the emotions of a girl troubled by love straight from the heart.

Included on the album “Love Again,” this track was released in September 2024 and was also featured as the CM song for Fujitsu’s “arrows” series.

With its light rhythm and friendly melody, it’ll have your body swaying before you know it.

It’s perfect for anyone holding onto those bittersweet feelings of “I like you but can’t say it” or “I want to tell you how I feel.” Singing it at karaoke might even be the push you need to share your feelings with your secret crush.

Energizing SongKanjani∞

[everysing] A song that lifts your spirits

Kanjani Eight’s “Genki ga Deru SONG” is the ultimate love song, filled with words we want even those who’ve had a fight with their partner to hear.

The opening lyrics in particular are deeply moving, carrying the message: “When hardships arise, the two of us will overcome them; and when we run into hardships again, we’ll overcome them again.

That’s how it goes, over and over!” Because you truly care about each other, you’re bound to clash at times—but it makes you want to be in a relationship where, without forgetting those feelings, you can keep overcoming difficulties together again and again.

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Love me more than I dotakane no nadeshiko

Love me more than I do

This song, which sings of sweet, bittersweet love, is packed with the charm of Takamine no Nadeshiko.

The anxious feeling of “Will you love me no matter who I am?” is woven into its delicate lyrics.

Produced by HoneyWorks, the pop, band-driven sound perfectly matches the world of the lyrics.

Released in June 2024, it was also performed on the nationwide tour.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re seeking reassurance of your lover’s affection.

Recommended for anyone who resonates with the desire to feel special.

Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki

Tohoshinki / Why Did I Fall in Love with You?

A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.

Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.

1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.

In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – In the Useless (Official Video)

A heartwarming song that gently portrays the love hidden in everyday, ordinary moments.

Its lyrics express love through the five senses, and a pleasant melody infused with jazz elements blends seamlessly to create a tender world that anyone can relate to.

Described by Gen Hoshino as “the first love song I wrote head-on,” the track was released as a single in March 2011 and is also included on the album Episode.

It reached No.

17 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks, gaining widespread popularity.

Singing softly about the subtleties of human relationships—exchanges between lovers and reconciliation after hurting one another—this is a recommended song for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.