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

I don’t mean to sound surprised, but…matsumura kanau

It might sound unexpected, but — Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

“You’re my reason to live—I love you unbearably.” It’s a very heartwarming love song that captures everyday moments with a live-in partner.

Watching him, a little absent-minded yet earnestly trying to express his love in his own clumsy way, you can’t help but smile.

Kanau Matsumura’s gentle vocals beautifully convey this warm worldview.

Released in October 2024, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring comedian Donguri Takeshi and actress Non Nagisa.

After listening, you might find your partner’s little slip-ups even more endearing than before.

Private roomDomura Riu

Private room / Riu Domura

This is a song by Riu Domura that depicts a calm moment spent late at night, just the two of you in a room.

You can picture scenes from a blissful cohabiting life: walking hand in hand to the convenience store, or snuggling together under the covers in an air-conditioned room.

The faint touch of melancholy drifting through the gentle atmosphere makes the intimacy stand out even more—it tightens your chest before you know it.

This piece is included in the album “Kono Kioku o Nukereba” (If I Could Slip Out of This Memory), released in October 2019.

If you’re living with someone dear to you right now, it might help you rediscover the tenderness right by your side.

You and ISuzuki Suzuki

You and I, you know – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

A love song by the brother duo Suzuki Suzuki that captures the sweet everyday life of a couple.

A late-night convenience store becomes a special playground just for the two of them, they talk about their future dreams at a slightly upscale place, and their ordinary days overflow with happiness in a way that makes your heart flutter.

Released in December 2020 as their first original work, the song was inspired by the lovey-dovey stories of a member’s friends.

Give it a listen—this track reminds us that the everyday is the true treasure, and it may make you cherish the time with your loved one even more.

As I love and as I please, you’re the only one I won’t hurt.B’z

B'z / As Love Is, As Selfish As I Am, I Won't Hurt Anyone But You

This is a B’z song that, though selfish, sings about a pure desire to have your loved one all to yourself.

Haven’t you ever felt that contradiction—wanting to bind someone precisely because you love them so much? Even as you vow single-minded devotion, a self-centered passion swirls beneath it.

Perhaps that raw, human wavering of emotion is what captured so many hearts.

Released in March 1993 and used as the theme song for the drama “Journey to the West,” this track might affirm your intense feelings if you listen to it when you’re so consumed by love that you can’t see anything else.

Love SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Song

When you think of GReeeeN, it has to be this song.

The lyrics overflow with the love of someone who feels that being by your side through days of tears and laughter is the very meaning of life.

It’s a song that makes you reflect on your feelings for the one you love and just how wonderful it is to meet you under the wide sky and fall in love.

SquallFukuyama Masaharu

Squall (Sukōru) – Masaharu Fukuyama [with lyrics]

It’s a song in which Masaharu Fukuyama, though a man, sings of love from a woman’s perspective.

His low, sexy voice makes me feel calm as I listen.

It conveys the ache of a love so deep it hurts—the longing to spend more time together, and the bittersweet feeling of not being able to express it.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

When you think of Ayaka’s songs, it has to be this one.

It’s a love song that almost everyone knows.

Even if you’re apart, you’re surely looking at the same sky and the same crescent moon—no matter what, we’re connected under this sky, so don’t worry.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone working hard in a long-distance relationship.

Be sure to listen to it while looking up at the night sky.