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

A life-sized love songAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

Rather than saying “I love you” a million times—or however many times you could say it—holding you tight just once would probably convey how much I like you.

It’s embarrassing, but it’s a song that, though a bit clumsy, really gets across the desire to say “I like you.”

Joined handsFunatsu Mahiro

Joined hands

This is a ballad by Masato Funatsu that gently weaves the warm happiness found in everyday life with an acoustic touch.

The song was written as a CM theme for the Shimane Denkō Group, centered on the theme of human connection.

Unchanging feelings that endure for decades and bonds that deepen when we join hands are expressed through vocals that slowly seep into the heart.

It’s a heartwarming love song that makes the ordinary days spent with someone special feel even more precious.

Did I become an idiot or something?Suda Masaki

Masaki Suda: “Did I get stupid or something?”

A hidden gem by Masaki Suda that sings about the feeling of falling in love and losing control.

This track is the B-side to the single “Mita Koto mo Nai Keshiki,” released in June 2017.

Written and composed by Kazuya Kaneki, it beautifully portrays an awkward heart in love—acting unlike oneself after falling for someone.

Suda’s straightforward vocals blend perfectly with the acoustic sound.

If you’re feeling a bit timid about love, you’ll surely find it relatable.

seesawtuki.

tuki. “Seesaw” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song by tuki.

that overlays the delicate distance between two people in romance with the image of a seesaw.

It’s a track we hope those in relationships that aren’t progressing—and who feel that frustrating stagnation—will listen to.

When you’re struggling with the distance or mismatch in feelings between you and your partner, you’re sure to find moments that resonate.

The album “15,” releasing in January 2025 and featuring this song, is a collection of tracks she created up to the age of 15—be sure to check it out along with this track.

Ingot of Pure Lovetuki.

tuki. “Ingot of Pure Love” Official Music Video

A song by tuki.

that moves the heart with delicate emotional expression and deep insight.

Like an ingot—a solid block of metal—it beautifully depicts a form of love that is pure and valuable.

Sweet yet heartrending feelings of romance are intertwined with the weight and responsibility that love carries, resulting in a philosophical track.

Included on the album “15,” released in January 2025, it stands as one of the fifteen tracks that showcase the blossoming of tuki.’s new talent.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to reexamine the essence of love or seek resonance with pure, earnest romantic feelings.

HeartbeatC&K

C&K - Heartbeat

This is a song by C&K that vividly captures the heartbeat of someone in love.

Released in May 2024 as the theme song for NHK’s late-night drama “VR Ojisan no Hatsukoi” (VR Old Man’s First Love), it expresses the emotions of overcoming loneliness and pain through distinctive lyrics and melodies.

Lines like “If someone’s by my side, I won’t feel lonely” and “If I become someone else, it won’t hurt” evoke an immediate sense of empathy.

It also seems to carry a desire to break free from the restraints and pressures we feel in everyday life.

It’s a love song of hope and courage, meant for everyone struggling with love.

Hey, are you listening properly?riria.

riria. / Hey, are you listening properly? [Music Video]

This is a song by Lilia, whose crystal-clear, beautiful vocals and lyrics interwoven with longing and hope resonate deeply.

Released in June 2024, it was used as the opening theme for the drama “Ano Ko no Kodomo” (That Girl’s Child).

The song is notable for lyrics that portray bonds with a loved one, gently gathering the small moments of happiness found in everyday life.

Its delicate emotions are exquisitely expressed through her translucent voice.

It may help you rediscover the importance of the person by your side right now.

It could be nice to listen to it while watching the drama.