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.
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- Nostalgic song medley. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular songs.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
- Songs That Attract Women in Their 40s: A Curated Selection of Male-Vocal Tracks That Women Love!
- [Popular and Crowd-Pleasing!] Stylish Song Selections and Karaoke Tracks
- This is a sure hit! Hype songs men will want to sing as the first track at karaoke
- Easy-to-sing karaoke songs recommended for men in their 50s
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- [For people in their 30s] Stylish Japanese songs you’ll want to listen to as an adult
- A curated selection of stylish songs by Japanese female artists: the allure of sophisticated masterpieces
- Stylish Classic Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s | Collection of Japanese Hit Songs
Moody Japanese classics: Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Scorpio womanKenichi Mikawa
Kenichi Mikawa’s “Woman of Scorpio” is well-known as a song that made a comeback thanks to Korokke’s impersonation.
It’s a song that gains even more impact when sung by Mikawa than by a woman.
Listening to the lyrics again, the content is quite frightening, but Mikawa’s persona keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Midnight PretendersTomoko Aran
A city pop classic by Tomoko Aran that gained global reappraisal after being sampled by The Weeknd.
As a founding member of Being, Aran weaves delicate lyrics that meld exquisitely with a melody crafted by Tetsuro Oda.
The gently drifting synthesizers and smooth, subdued bass line evoke both the glitter of the city at night and the loneliness that lurks beneath it.
Though the lovers know it’s a “deceptive affair,” a series of secret trysts, they surrender themselves to those fleeting moments—an unstable passion that tightens the listener’s chest.
It’s a timeless track whose undimmed brilliance makes its enduring love easy to understand.
KanadeSukima Switch
A heartwarming ballad that begins with piano tones shining under a soft glow.
Sung with a clear, emotive voice, it portrays the radiance of a world transformed by partings and new encounters—one of Sukima Switch’s quintessential masterpieces.
Released in March 2004, the song became a long-running hit over 38 weeks.
It was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and served as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta,” continuing to resonate with many listeners.
Included on the albums “Natsugumo Noise,” “Greatest Hits,” and “DOUBLES BEST,” its charm deepens with time.
Perfect for those moments when you want to gaze at the night view in a lounge and reminisce about memories with someone special.
So sad I can’t bear itThe Folk Crusaders
With its incredibly gentle singing voice and melody, it almost brings me to tears when I listen.
When something sad happens, I find myself humming it without thinking.
After singing it, I feel as if my heart has been cleansed.
It seems important to say “I’m sad” when you’re feeling sad.
I also recommend the version sung by Mikako Tabe in the film Miss Granny; it’s really good.
Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI
With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.
Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.
Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.
It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.
Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)
A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.
Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.
Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida
Whenever I go to Yokohama, this one song always comes to mind.
I can picture the beautiful night view of the city.
Ayumi Ishida is also active as an actress.
Watching videos from when the song was released, her doll-like cuteness makes my heart skip a beat.