Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs
I’ve put together a playlist of moody Japanese songs—popular hits, timeless classics, and hidden gems—perfect for twilight or nighttime, when you want to savor some grown-up time.
It’s great for relaxing alone, or for listening quietly with your spouse, partner, or someone special.
Enjoy a wonderful time.
Moody Japanese classics: Top 10 recommended hits (1–10)
AliensKirinji
It’s a captivating song that pairs an urban melody resonating like it nestles into the stillness of night with poetic depictions of suburban scenery.
Using the word “alien” to express a sense of social alienation, it delicately weaves the pure love of two lonely people.
Released as a single by Kirinji in October 2000 and later included on the album “3,” the song was featured in a LINE Mobile commercial in 2017 and as an insert song in an NHK BS Premium drama in 2018, winning the hearts of many.
It’s a track that lingers—one that accompanies late-night drives or unhurried moments in a bar lounge, soaking into the hearts of adults.
Ti AmoEXILE
A story of forbidden love portraying a bittersweet, mature romance.
EXILE’s earnest vocals beautifully capture the feelings of a woman consumed by her relationship with a married man.
The melancholic love depicted alongside the passionate melody is sure to strike a chord with many listeners.
Released in September 2008, the song was also featured in a commercial for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss chocolate, and went on to win the Grand Prize at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.
The music video, set in 1920s Shanghai, superbly brings the work’s world to life.
It’s the perfect track for a late night in a lounge, gazing at the soft glow of candlelight and dreaming of adult romance.
Lingering SnowNEW!dolphin
Iruka’s song “Nagori Yuki,” long cherished as a classic in Japan.
Released in 1974, it’s rooted in the then-popular folk music genre, and while it’s moving, it retains a certain folk-like poignancy.
It was originally a Kaguyahime song, but many people are probably more familiar with Iruka’s cover.
The song’s vocal range is relatively narrow, from mid1 D to mid2 G.
With the highest note at mid2 G, few should find it difficult to sing in the original key.
The A verse is somewhat spoken in style, so there are slightly fewer breakpoints, but as long as you don’t push your voice too hard, it shouldn’t be a problem.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.
Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.
The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.
Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart.
It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.
Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.
A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.
On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng
Teresa Teng was an Asian songstress from Taiwan.
She made her singing debut at the young age of 14.
Her clear, transcendent voice captivates listeners across borders.
This song became a massive hit, selling two million copies.
Sadly, she passed away in 1995 at the age of 42.
Wine Red HeartSafe zone
What is this mysterious charm that emanates from the whole of Anzen Chitai? To be able to sing with such ennui in his twenties—Koji Tamaki’s voice is truly a gift.
He’s been very active, yet the gentleness you can feel in his voice is wonderful.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.
Created by Mr.
Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.
Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.
Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.