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

miraclemiwa

miwa 'Miracle' Music Video

This song captures the feeling of a summer romance, perfect for a season filled with sunshine.

Released in April 2013 as the CM song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE, it drew attention alongside visuals themed around high school youth.

Its breezy sound—colored by samba-style rhythms and percussion—blends with Miwa’s transparent, clear vocals to vividly express the thrill of summer.

The lyrics, which freshly portray wavering emotions and the anticipation of new encounters, just might give you the courage to leap into love.

The album featuring this track, Delight, topped the weekly album chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It’s a cute summer tune recommended for anyone excited to kick off the season or looking to reminisce about their school days.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.”