Hidden gems of Japanese love songs. Recommended popular tracks.

It’s love, but…Official HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – But It’s Love... [Official Video]

Commonly known as “Higedan,” the band has even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Their songs about love and romance, such as “Pretender” and “I LOVE…,” have been featured in various works and gained popularity, but there are still some hidden love songs to discover.

Their track “Ai Nandaga…” (“It’s Love, But…”) is sung from a male perspective about lingering feelings.

The realistic emotions of a man who can’t quite let go of a woman are likely to resonate with many listeners.

It’s included on their mini-album “Love and Peace Are Within You.” The understated, steady mood of the song is sure to grow on you.

A triangular lovesaji

saji – “Triangular Love” MUSIC VIDEO

The lead track from their second mini-album “Hanabi no Uta,” released in 2020.

The lyrics portray a fleeting, heartrending love story that almost brings you to tears.

The more your feelings for someone grow, the harder it becomes to meet their gaze—haven’t you ever felt that way? In the music video, you’ll also be drawn in by the superb performance of Erika Denya, former leader of Babyraids JAPAN.

If wacci’s “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo” captures the aftermath of a breakup, then saji’s “Sankaku no Koi” is a love song overflowing with emotions that anyone can relate to, depicting feelings unfolding in the here and now.

A Tiny Love SongSakurako Ohara

Sakurako Ohara as Riko Koeda – A Tiny Love Song (Short ver.) <Film: The Liar and His Lover>

A number that played as an insert song in the film The Liar and His Lover, in which Sakurako Ohara herself appears as the heroine.

Included on the album HAPPY, this track portrays someone in love who, despite overflowing with affection, keeps a slight distance.

Even without saying the straightforward words “I love you” to the person who brought light to their life, the song is filled with an abundance of honest, overflowing love.

While hoping that their feelings will reach someday, they still put that person’s happiness first.

It’s a slightly bittersweet love song.

BELOVEDGLAY

GLAY / BELOVED

One of GLAY’s most beloved love songs, which became a major hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama “A Summer Proposal.” From the guitar melody in the intro, it flows into GLAY’s signature warm sound, creating a comfort that makes you want to keep listening forever.

No matter what walls you hit or stumbles you take, as long as the one you love is by your side, you can keep living without losing yourself.

This is a song that lets you convey your greatest love to the one who makes you feel that way.

I don't want to let go.T-BOLAN

T-BOLAN “I Don't Want to Let Go” Music Video

Be moved by the love sung in the husky voice of T-BOLAN’s vocalist, Arashi Moritomo, in “Hanashitakuwa Nai” (“I Don’t Want to Let You Go”).

Originally included on the album T-BOLAN, the song was also released as a single about a month after the album’s release.

The lyrics in the first verse’s B section differ slightly between the album and single versions.

The song portrays the moment of realizing anew just how deeply one has always loved someone who isn’t right there in front of them.

If there’s someone in your life you feel you “don’t want to let go,” why not listen to this song and take the opportunity to face that person once again?

greatest common divisorRADWIMPS

Greatest Common Divisor Radwimps original MV

RADWIMPS often has lyrics that startle you or make you think deeply, don’t they? This track is from their classic 2006 release, “RADWIMPS 3: The Album We Forgot to Bring to the Deserted Island.” What’s great about this song is how wonderfully romantic the lyrics are, carried by a positive sound.

So many unexpected turns of phrase—maybe hard to say in everyday life, but it makes you want to spend time together with feelings like these.

The final line leaves you feeling warm.

It’s a gentle love song, like taking each other’s hand and walking together.

10 Years Love StoryT-BOLAN

T-BOLAN / 10 Years Love Story

Opening quietly with the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar, this love song features Arashi Moritomo’s whisper-like vocals that resonate deeply.

The straightforward lyrics, pledging to walk side by side even ten years from now, are enough to make your heart swell just by listening.

As the song progresses, drums join in and the arrangement unfolds dramatically, as if their love is growing deeper and more certain over time.

This track was included as the B-side to the single “Ai no Tame ni Ai no Naka de,” released in November 1995.

Thanks to its high level of craftsmanship, it has long been cherished among fans as a hidden gem.

Listen to it on a night when you’re talking about the future with someone special, and it will surely remind you of the bond you share.