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

It crashed in seconds.NEW!aoen

aoen ‘INSTANT CRUSH’ Official MV

Aoen is a group gaining attention for their euphoria-filled performances and a worldview that portrays down-to-earth youth.

Released in March 2026, this work features a sound arrangement that incorporates the ticking of a clock, leaving a lasting impression.

Many listeners may find themselves relating their own experiences to the lyrics, which express the shock of falling in love in an instant.

I especially recommend it to those who want to savor that spark—the moments when your heart suddenly stirs in everyday life.

I like you, please.FRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Suki, Onegai”

A heartwarming love song that captures the pure feelings of a girl who dreams of an ideal romance, like the heroine of a drama.

It delicately portrays the shift in her emotions—from sweet bedtime fantasies each night to a love that becomes real—set to a tender melody.

Released by FRUITS ZIPPER in February 2025, the song was written as the opening theme for ABEMA’s popular dating reality show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2025 Winter.” It’s a track that gently supports the heart of a girl swaying between ideal and reality, wishing to nurture love one step at a time.

Perfect for anyone who keeps feelings for someone they haven’t confessed to yet, or who dreams of a wonderful, drama-like romance.

matchingFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Osoroi” Official Music Video

As couples spend more time together, they naturally start to resemble each other, don’t they? This song is a down-to-earth love ballad that tenderly sings, over a warm melody, about two people who didn’t click at first but gradually come to share the same tastes and laugh at the same moments as they go about their daily lives.

Released as a single in January 2026, it was crafted by Masato Funatsu himself.

It’s a track we hope lovers will listen to as they imagine the future they’ll walk together and savor the happiness of spending carefree moments with someone dear.

Its adorably straightforward feelings will surely wrap themselves around the listener’s heart.

My cutieMON7A

[MON7A] “My Cutie” (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter MON7A, who is especially popular among younger generations.

Released for streaming in March 2026, this track turns into an official recording an original song she performed acoustically on the dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Halong Edition.” Listening to the lyrics—honestly capturing a love that longs to know the everyday, trivial details—together with the gentle melody and ensemble, is sure to stir up sentimental feelings.

An emotional pop tune with exceptional buzz that racked up 4.5 million views on YouTube even before its release.

A must-listen for anyone in love!

First Love Is a Guaranteed Loss! feat. Marinai Arisu (CV: Reina Ueda)HONEY WORKS

First Love Is a Guaranteed Loss! feat. Marin Ariisu (CV: Reina Ueda) / HoneyWorks

HoneyWorks is a creator unit that continues to express the thrill of youth through music.

“First Love Is a Guaranteed Loss!” is a single released in February 2026.

Produced as a character song for the new series of the Confession Executive Committee, it depicts a responsible class president falling in love.

Reina Ueda, voicing Marin Ari, delivers a delicate performance that conveys a love destined to lose—an emotion that defies logic.

With its catchy, feel-good band sound, this track is a pop number quintessentially HoneyWorks, a group that has captivated many listeners and even won the JASRAC Silver Award in 2024 for “Kawaikute Gomen.” If you want to feel the bewilderment and exhilaration of the very moment you fall in love, this one’s irresistible.

Give it a listen!

Let’s be in love for lifeneguse.

Neguse. “Let’s Be in Love for Life” Official Music Video

Doesn’t a warm spring sun make you want to vow your future together with someone special? This ballad by Neguse., a band from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, was released in February 2026.

Its lyrics portray the everyday lives of a couple on the verge of marriage, gently wrapping listeners in warmth.

It also drew attention as the first song for which guitarist Naoya handled both lyrics and composition.

Premiered as an encore at the Zepp Haneda show in January 2026, the piece ties in with a video set several years after the MV for the band’s signature song, “To You Who Suit a Bouquet,” capturing fans’ hearts.

It’s perfect for couples who value daily life over flashy words.

On a calm spring afternoon, take your time and listen together.

You’ll find yourselves cherishing the ordinary days even more.

crescendoM!LK

crescendo

This is a coupling track from the single “Bakuretsu Aishiteru / Sukisugite Metsu!” released in February 2026.

It drew attention for being produced by member Hayato Sano.

Created with the theme of a “classic idol song,” its lyrics depict the flutter of unrequited love gradually growing stronger, making listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

The transparent sound and straightforward melody build a sense of elation and draw you in.

It’s a sweet-and-sour pop tune that gives a gentle push to those in love.