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

Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Winter Story

Amid the peak of group popularity in the 2013 music scene, this song released by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE in October of that year is a ballad that paints a wintry landscape with clear piano and strings.

Its warm, enveloping lyrics are memorable, overlaying feelings for a lover who is drifting away with images of snow and holiday illuminations.

Chosen as the ending theme for NTV’s “PON!” in November, it was also featured in commercials for Huis Ten Bosch’s “Kingdom of Light” and Moist Diane, and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It’s recommended as a winter song for a quiet night with someone special or for year-end karaoke.

Just Say YesJO1

JO1 | ‘Just Say Yes’ Track Video

It’s a love song included on their 10th single, “Handz In My Pocket,” released in October 2025.

It portrays the wavering emotions of modern love as they play out through messaging apps and social media.

Many listeners will likely relate to the protagonist, who keeps a close eye on read receipts and the subtle changes in the other person’s behavior, not wanting to miss a thing.

The warm sound layered with the members’ gentle vocals is so soothing, too.

Give it a listen when you want to savor that fluffy feeling unique to the start of a romance.

knot; tie; bind; concludeSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Yui (Knot)” Music Video <4th Mini Album “Take Me” Released on 2020.9.2>

A song by Saucy Dog that vividly captures the restless, fidgety feelings from a male perspective and the slightly awkward atmosphere of a new relationship.

It was released in March 2020 and included on the mini-album “Take Me,” which came out in September of the same year.

The anxiety and jealousy born from being mutually in love—and therefore not wanting to lose the other person—tighten your chest, especially when mixed with the exhilaration of summer.

Yet the song also expresses deep affection for a partner who accepts that clumsiness, along with a warm resolve to build a future together, which makes your heart feel at ease as you listen.

If you play it on a summer evening spent together, you’ll surely be reminded of how precious you are to each other.

Head over heels for youEXILE

EXILE / Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

It’s a cheerful love song that says even though there are complaints like “it’s all their fault” when you fall in love, and even if you try to forget all the bad things by drinking beer, you still can’t get that person out of your head—you’re completely captivated by them.

Like this song, it might be nice to tell them that you’re madly in love with them no matter what.

balladKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This song expresses a man’s feelings when he’s alone in his room after parting with someone he loves.

When he’s by himself, a wave of loneliness suddenly washes over him, and while savoring that loneliness, he likens alcohol to love and pours that love into a glass—capturing a mature man’s emotions.

It’s a song that truly conveys the longing to see someone again.

It tickles.CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Ticklish. / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Released in October as CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ 19th single, this track serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru.” Its lyrics, which candidly express the desire to reach out and the fluttering feelings that defy words, leave a strong impression.

The lines depicting a love that overflows beyond logic bring back the moment you first fell for someone.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to rekindle those sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu

[Oeuf] Midsummer Fruit - Southern All Stars

This is a classic masterpiece by Southern All Stars that many people have covered.

The words “Tell me you love me all the time” convey the feelings so directly.

Being in love isn’t just about fun; precisely because you care so much, there are times when it feels painful and times when you want to cry.

When that happens, try listening to this song.