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

CHE.R.RYYUI

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

When it comes to songs you want to listen to when you’re in love, it has to be this one.

It captures that fluttery feeling of being head over heels, and even though people say you need to play it cool with someone you like, you’re so into them that you can’t play any games—you just want to reach out right away.

It’s a song that understands the nervous excitement of a girl wrestling with her phone, agonizing over a message in front of her cell because she can’t wait to contact them.

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.

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.

True LoveINI

True Love

It’s a refreshing pop-rock tune that straightforwardly captures the flutter of falling into true love and the exhilarating rush of youth—just listening to it makes your heart leap.

Included on the winter single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Romantic Killer,” starring Masaya Kimura alongside Moeka Kamishiraishi and others.

Brimming with such positive energy that you’ll forget the winter chill, it’s the perfect track to play when you want to lift your spirits.

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.

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.