J-Rock love songs: timeless and popular romance tracks that resonate with the heart.

Walking with youNovelbright

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

Even just hearing the intro pierces the heart—it’s a straight-up rock love song.

It’s a track by Novelbright, a rock band from Osaka Prefecture, included on their first mini-album SKYWALK released in 2018.

The unadorned, powerful sound feels as if their emotions have taken over.

The lyrics carry a straightforward message: “I want to be with you for the rest of my life.” It’s a song that the younger generation will especially resonate with—or rather, one I truly hope they’ll listen to.

iridescent cloudsStraightener

Saiun

This is a medium-tempo number rich with color, depicting a deep bond between hearts and a single-minded love that continues even when apart.

Atsushi Horie’s poetic lyrics and emotional vocals ride a beautiful melody that sinks deep into the heart.

Included on the album “Behind The Scene,” released in October 2014, the track was voted third in a fan poll for inclusion on the best-of album, suggesting it holds a special place for many listeners.

Because there is someone precious to us, we can keep going tomorrow—perhaps this song embodies that universal form of love.

On a quiet night of solitary reflection, listening to this piece will surely kindle a warm light in your heart.

365 daysMr.Children

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

Many people might think of this when it comes to rock band love songs.

It’s one of Mr.

Children’s signature tracks, a band that has been at the forefront of Japan’s music scene for many years.

Included on their 2010 album “SENSE,” it gained attention after being featured in commercials for NTT East and NTT West.

True to its title, it expresses the feelings and pure love of someone who thinks every day about a precious person far away.

Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely regarded as one of their finest songs.

HAPPYBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN『HAPPY』

This is a narrative-style song that tells the story of a boy striving to become stronger to protect what he holds dear.

It’s a track by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN—also known for “Tentai Kansoku,” “Karma,” and “Hello, world!”—released in 2010.

Its mid-tempo, breezy guitar sound clears away the clouds in your heart as you listen.

While it sings about the boy’s growth, as mentioned earlier, the theme of “becoming strong for the sake of what you want to protect” also lends itself to being interpreted as a love song.

If you want to grow for someone you care about, give it a listen.

My First KissHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD × Korosuke My First Kiss Hajimete no Chuu

Hi-STANDARD covered “Hajimete no Chuu” with English lyrics as “My First Kiss.” It’s included on their mini-album “Love is A Battlefield” and became a big hit.

The song features their signature punk arrangement, with the intro coolly recreated on guitar.

There’s even a section where only the last chorus is sung in Japanese, adding their characteristic sense of fun.

Their popularity remains tremendous—even now, their concert tickets sell out immediately.

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (Short ver.)

It was released in 2011 as back number’s second single.

The song was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV for May 2011, and it’s also included on their second album, Superstar.

It’s a warm song that conveys a man’s gentle feelings as he imagines happy days ahead, even while feeling some confusion and anxiety about walking through life with someone important.

It’s also a song often used at weddings.

To new loversback number

back number – To New Lovers [Official Audio]

This song was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Umi no Hajimari” (The Beginning of the Sea).

Its characteristically bittersweet back number lyrics, focusing on breakups with past lovers and relationships with new ones, leave a strong impression.

Shimizu Iyori’s vocals weave a melody that expresses the protagonist’s inner world and conflicts, resonating deeply.

Released in July 2024, it became a hot topic.

The lyrics’ deep exploration of family and love make it perfect for those standing at a crossroads in life or struggling with important relationships.

Listening while watching the drama may bring an even deeper emotional experience.