Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation

cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

This is the second single by Ai Otsuka, known as a catchy pop tune emblematic of the 2000s.

Featured as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and the ending theme for the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, it was released in December 2003 and quickly became a major hit.

Its upbeat melody and lyrics about pure love captured the hearts of many listeners, earning widespread support—including being used as a cheer song for high school baseball.

It’s a perfect track to liven up a karaoke session and one that brings back memories of youth.

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Junrenka” MUSIC VIDEO (Original ver.)

Shonan no Kaze’s fifth single is known as a classic that sings of straightforward love.

Released in March 2006, the track debuted at their career-best No.

2 and became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

Though rooted in reggae, its sound is striking for the beautiful violin that opens the song.

The lyrics, expressing down-to-earth love in unadorned words, resonated with many, cementing Shonan no Kaze’s status as a leading force in Japanese reggae.

It’s a song that colors a sweet-and-sour page of youth, making you want to reminisce about date memories and your feelings for a loved one.

Walking with youNovelbright

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

This song by the five-piece rock band Novelbright, included on their October 2018 album “SKYWALK,” is an emotional love song that portrays the resolve to move forward together with a strong bond.

Its dramatic progression, featuring a driving beat and band sound, leaves a strong impression.

It was also featured as an insert song in AbemaTV’s drama “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Spring,” which boosted its popularity even further.

With lyrics that look toward a future with a loved one, it’s a recommended track for anyone hoping to deepen their connection with their partner.

I'll be by your side.Thelma Aoyama ft. SoulJa

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

A song born from the collaboration between Thelma Aoyama and SoulJa.

Its lyrics, blending poignancy with warmth, and its R&B-tinged melody make for a track that truly resonates.

Released in January 2008, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was also featured as NTT Docomo’s spring 2008 campaign song, capturing the hearts of many.

This is a number that offers comfort to those in long-distance relationships or those separated from someone dear.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme

Hilcrhyme – “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter” Music Video

Hilcrhyme’s second single, which gained popularity with hip-hop beats, arrangements that incorporate soft, expansive sounds like piano and strings, a relatable message, and cleverly rhymed lyrics.

The track, which secured multiple tie-ins as theme songs for various music programs and TV commercials, was released in September 2009.

Its lyrics, depicting lovers changing with the shifting seasons, likely resonated deeply with people in their twenties who were in the thick of their youth at the time.

Written in ordinary words that anyone can picture, the everyday messages in the lyrics convey a comforting warmth that feels close to the listener.

Among the many hip-hop numbers out there, this is a song that naturally seeps into your body.

ChankapanaNEWS

NEWS – Chankapāna [Official Music Video]

An upbeat kayō-kyoku track with an exotic flair, defined by a hook so catchy you can’t forget it after a single listen.

Released on July 18, 2012, it is NEWS’s 14th single and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The coined word “Chankapāna” carries the meaning of “beloved,” expressing deep affection for their fans.

By depicting encounters in the night city and the beauty of time spent together, it resonates powerfully with listeners.

As an Asian-flavored love-disco kayō song that colors the summer, it’s a track that brings back memories of youth.

Voice of the SeaUrashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

A song released under the name Urashima Taro—the au commercial character—by Kenta Kiritani, who is active in a wide range of fields as an actor and singer.

Its gentle sanshin tones and Kiritani’s husky vocals make for an unforgettable number.

The poignant lyrics conjure scenes from the commercial’s storyline, and the arrangement evokes the seas of Okinawa—perfectly matching the title’s imagery.

Initially released via digital distribution in July 2015 and re-released in December of the same year, the track garnered numerous awards, earning high acclaim including an Excellent Work Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a heartwarming song with a charming melody that makes you want to listen by the seaside in summer.