Recommended love songs for college students: Japanese love songs you should listen to when a romance begins

I adore you, you cutie!SUI

Adorable you are so precious! /sui

This is one of sui’s signature songs, capturing the sweet-and-sour feelings of youthful first love.

It tells how the narrator’s thoughts about the classmate they like—sitting right next to them—turn everyday life, starting with a simple “good morning,” into heart-throbbing, special moments.

The song vividly portrays the pangs and sweetness of being in love, from being disarmed by a smile to becoming completely infatuated.

Released in August 2020, the track became a hot topic among young people—especially on TikTok—and was a massive hit on YouTube with millions of views.

It’s a must-listen not only for high schoolers, but also for anyone who wants to revisit the bittersweet memories of first love!

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

The relaxed, sweet vocals and lyrics that depict a girl’s pure feelings for the person she likes are striking! This is a cute love song by the singer-songwriter Yuika, popular on YouTube and TikTok.

The way your heart is stolen by the other person’s small actions and your wish to be together is something everyone has experienced.

Many listeners will surely relate to the line, “The person you like just can’t help but look cool to you.” Released in June 2021, the song received a huge response across many Asian countries.

It’s a perfect track to cheer on high school romance—why not give it a listen?

You don't listen to rock.Aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [AIMYON TOUR 2019 - SIXTH SENSE STORY - in Yokohama Arena]

It’s a love song that feels as if the emotions welling up from the depths of the heart are spoken aloud, full of passion.

It’s a track by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in 2017 as her third single.

Thanks to heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide, it made Aimyon’s name known throughout Japan.

The song powerfully sings of straightforward feelings toward someone you love, piercing the listener’s heart.

Many people have probably wished that their favorite music—and their hobbies—would match with the person they like.

Because I fell in loveAimyon

Aimyon “Because I Fell in Love” Studio Recording Scene

Loved across generations, Aimyon is especially popular among young women.

As the title suggests, her song “Koi wo Shita Kara” (“Because I Fell in Love”) poignantly expresses the feelings of a woman in love.

Love songs suit Aimyon perfectly—likely because her own experiences and genuine emotions are reflected in her music, and that sincerity comes through clearly to listeners.

This track, too, powerfully conveys the emotions of being in love and the many things that become visible because of that love—so vividly you can almost reach out and touch them.

You know what,Are-kun & 'Yuika'

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

This duet song by Are-kun and Yuika delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of high school love.

Digitally released in April 2021, the track gently sings of the struggle to express one’s true feelings and the overflowing emotions for the one they care about.

As spring arrives, the way their feelings begin to overlap is depicted beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.

You can’t be honest in front of the person you like, yet you’re filled with the desire to tell them—this work captures the essence of high school romance and is sure to comfort anyone wrestling with love.

123 Love BeginsIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “1 2 3 ~Love Begins~” Music Video

Unrequited love becomes more and more heartbreaking the longer it lasts, but at first just watching from afar can make you happy, right? This song expresses the desire to get even a little closer and the joy from small things, all in a refreshing melody.

Released in 2013, it’s a track that lifts your spirits just by listening.

A lifetime’s worth of love lettersLiar

Usotsuki – A Lifetime’s Worth of Love Letters (MV) @USOTSUKI_DA

A Lifetime’s Worth of Love Letters portrays someone who keeps confessing their feelings to the one they love, over and over.

It was released in 2016 as the title track of an album by Usotsuki, a band that has performed at many rock festivals across Japan.

When you fall for a classmate or a teammate, sometimes you can’t think about anything else, right? The song depicts delivering that straightforward feeling, carried by a passionate band performance.

If you’re a high school student who just can’t give up on that special someone, lend an ear to this rock number that’s sure to give you courage.