[2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Everyone, no matter the scale, has wishes—ranging from those so important they can shape a life to the small, everyday kind.

There are, of course, countless songs that sing about such natural feelings.

In this article, we’ve compiled classic Japanese songs centered on the theme of “wishes.” Focusing on songs with words like “wish” in the title, we introduce tracks—spanning from recent hits to timeless classics—that take some kind of wish as their theme.

What kind of “wish” does each artist sing about? Check them out while reflecting on your own wishes.

[2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces (71–80)

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka’s “Mikazuki,” in which she sings while remembering a lover she broke up with, isn’t just about dwelling on the past.

It says: I’m doing my best because you might be watching from far away.

It’s not that we broke up because I hated you.

I hope you feel the same way I do.

And I hope you’re looking at the same crescent moon.

It’s a song filled with those wishes.

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Flower SongTOKIO

TOKIO / “Hanauta” | THE CONCER

Flower SongTOKIO

A song that gives me so much strength through Nagase’s powerful vocals.

There are times when I almost lose sight of my true wish—the one I long for from the bottom of my heart—but I’ll keep moving forward without losing it.

Even when I feel like crying, look, cherry blossom petals dance down around me.

Even when I feel like giving up, the sakura encourage me…

It’s a wonderful song that sings about such a “me.”

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SUNHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

SUNHoshino Gen

The song “Sun,” which became the catalyst for Gen Hoshino’s breakthrough.

You are my sun.

I care deeply about you.

I hope these feelings reach you.

And even if, at some point in the future, things between us were to end, for now I want to spend precious time with you.

It’s a song that expresses that wish.

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In conclusion

Among the songs we introduced this time, was there one that matched the “wish” you had in mind? Because wishes come in many forms, it’s interesting that there are songs that aren’t necessarily moving ballads or mellow tracks, but a different type altogether.

Our site publishes many articles that focus on detailed themes like this, so be sure to check them out!