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

Your favorite songUVERworld

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

It’s a song from a man’s perspective: after spending the whole day together, he still couldn’t bring himself to say “I love you,” and now he’s walking home alone, thinking of you.

He once believed he would never love anyone again, yet he’s fallen for someone once more.

It’s a bittersweet song that conveys, with all his heart, that thinking of you is what gives him the will to live.

Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta / GO!GO!7188

It’s a song that portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings, believing she will probably never confess this love to you.

She can’t help how much she likes you and thinks no one could ever surpass you, yet you likely won’t notice—still, she wants you by her side.

The song conveys her poignant longing, and it makes you feel that falling this deeply in love with someone is something truly rare.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

It sings of a woman’s heart that wants to see your smile right now.

It conveys the desire to make a precious person happy, hoping that my beloved you will be enveloped in kindness, because I will love you at all times.

Listening to this song makes falling in love feel very enjoyable—it’s a song that lets you feel happiness.

Let Love Begin Now. feat. Azuki Mochizuki (CV: Rie Takahashi)HONEY WORKS

Let love begin now. feat. Azuki Mochizuki (CV: Rie Takahashi) / HoneyWorks

HoneyWorks, the creator unit beloved for their heart-fluttering coming-of-age stories.

First unveiled at an event in August 2025, this song marks a new chapter in the Confession Executive Committee series.

It portrays the thrill of love that begins to move after a reunion with a childhood friend.

The exhilarating band sound and catchy melody link perfectly with the sweet-and-sour lyrics, resulting in top-tier youth pop.

It’s perfect for when you want to savor the rush of a budding romance, or to brighten your mood on a morning when you’re taking on a challenge!

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

The golden duo representing the J-POP scene, Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, have an unmissable duet song.

While celebrating the joy of meeting, its lyrics occasionally hint at an inevitable end, making it achingly bittersweet and tightening your chest.

Told from both of their perspectives, it’s a track that powerfully conveys gratitude toward the person who saved them from lonely days.

Released in May 2009 as a single by Miliyah Kato and included on the classic album “Ring,” the song became hugely popular, with its music video winning an award at MTV VMAJ 2010.

The section in the latter half where their harmonies intertwine is a must-hear.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for nights when you want to bask in the beautiful memories and bittersweetness of love.

Midsummer OrionMINMI

INFINITY16 welcomez MINMI, 10-FEET / Midsummer Orion

This song conveys the frustrating push-and-pull between men and women.

On the man’s side, he wants to look cool in front of the person he likes, yet he’s timid and can’t be honest, wondering what kind of face she’d make if he told her he liked her.

The woman is interested too, but she plays a bit of a game, which makes the man anxious.

It’s a fun, flirty song about two people in love.