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

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

The idol group AKB48 released their 32nd single, “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie,” in 2013.

It topped the Oricon charts and became a hit song beloved by a wide audience.

Its unforgettable melody sticks with you after just one listen—you’ll find yourself humming along.

It’s an uplifting, highly recommended track.

The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks

The World Is Falling in Love / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

It’s a sweet-and-sour song that also served as the theme for the TV anime “Ao Haru Ride.” If you’ve got a crush on someone, listening to it will probably make your heart flutter.

The lyrics deftly capture a girl’s complex feelings and inner conflicts, and the dynamic, well-defined melody draws us into the track.

Secret Crush ~I Can't Stop Loving You~JY

JY “Secret Crush ~I Can’t Stop Loving You~” Music Video

It’s the upbeat theme song for the movie “Revenge Girl.” The lyrics, which evoke the start of a romance, come through in a straightforward way.

Listening to this song makes you feel the emotions of being in love and the importance of believing in yourself.

LAST LOVERihwa

Insert song from “Last Cinderella”: Rihwa “Last Love” music video (short ver.)

This song has lyrics entirely in English.

It strikes a balance that works precisely because it’s in English.

I feel that if it were all in Japanese, it wouldn’t mesh with the melody this well.

Rifa’s voice also suits the melody perfectly.

It feels like I’m in love.Yuika

It’s like I’m in love / “Yuika” [MV]

The sweet, bittersweet vocals and lyrics that capture a girl whose thoughts are filled with the person she likes are striking! It’s a cute love song by Yuika, a singer-songwriter popular on YouTube and TikTok.

Everyone’s had those moments—your heart races just from making eye contact, or you can’t forget someone’s smile.

Released in February 2024, this song was also chosen as an insert track for the romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2024 Fuyu” (Falling in Love: Weekend Homestay 2024 Winter).

It’s a perfect pick for anyone with a one-sided crush or experiencing the excitement of a first love.

A Parting PoemGood Morning America

Good Morning America “Hanamuke no Uta” PV

He’s deeply in love with the woman, yet he can’t help but wish for her happiness.

At the very least, he hopes the time they spent together will be part of her happiness.

Even though the song is so heartrending, the vocalist’s voice strikes a really good balance.

Sakura RoadTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)

TVXQ / 10th Anniversary Single “Sakuramichi” MV Short Ver.

The two of them decided to walk separately so they could each follow their own path.

It’s not a negative breakup by any means, but that’s exactly why it feels lonely and painful.

Those feelings are portrayed very well.

If you listen while imagining what might happen to them afterward, you’ll find the ending heartwarming.