Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs

rootKing Gnu

King Gnu – Root

A warm, gem-like mid-tempo ballad that sings of the value found even in those who don’t stand out.

Alongside the characteristically beautiful piano and strings of King Gnu, nursery rhyme–style choral parts and contemporary beats are interwoven, culminating in a weighty track that evokes the passage of time.

It’s a precious song imbued with deep affection—quietly accompanying one’s feelings and gently embracing care for someone dear.

Written as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea” in October 2024, it’s equally at home soundtracking peaceful moments with someone special or a nighttime drive, letting you savor a refined, adult-tinged ballad.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again

While it’s a bittersweet romantic ballad, this song is also a masterpiece that exudes mature allure.

Released in January 2007, it originated as the required piece for EXILE’s vocalist audition and was featured in au’s “LISMO!” campaign commercial.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart, selling over 250,000 copies, and ranked in the top 10 of karaoke charts for three consecutive years.

The melodic composition and deeply poetic lyrics that portray two lovers draw listeners in.

This track is perfect for a night when you want to spend time leisurely by candlelight or reminisce about precious memories with someone special.

It also makes a great soundtrack for a calm nighttime drive.

Be sure to give this sophisticated, adult-tinged song a listen.

Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End

indigo la End “Summer Night Magic”

A gem of a love song that beautifully paints a delicate nighttime scene and a bittersweet longing.

The uniquely emotional inner landscapes of indigo la End stir the heart with a mature allure.

Featured on the single “Before We Get Sad,” released in June 2015, this track stands out with its tender melody that gently wraps a fleeting summer night, and its smooth, understated band sound.

The scents of the night city, the sounds of festivals, and faint memories of young love are portrayed with a lingering resonance, making it a song that accompanies quiet evenings with someone special or moments when you want to sink into a reflective mood.

Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto

Tomomi Kahala – Look Up at the Stars in the Night

It’s a hit song by Kyu Sakamoto from 1963.

The lyrics were written by Rokusu Kei, and many people have covered it.

Listening to this song makes me feel gently watched over by Kyu Sakamoto from the sky.

It’s definitely a piece to enjoy quietly on a night when the stars are beautiful.

Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki

Norimasa Fujisawa – Pop Opera Masterpieces Album #8 “Until We Meet Again” (Original: Kiyohiko Ozaki)

Kiyohiko Ozaki has a wide vocal range and overwhelming power, and the way he sometimes pulls the microphone away while singing is striking.

Beyond his singing voice, his impressive sideburns and mustache give him a dashing, gentlemanly look that’s mesmerizing.

Even though this song is about parting, I like its positive lyrics.

Sometimes, old storiesTokiko Kato

Sometimes Old Stories by Tokiko Kato

It’s the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso.

Tokiko Kato’s husky voice is cool and stylish.

She also sings the movie’s main theme, “Le temps des cerises,” which is a French chanson, so it has a slightly different but equally wonderful feel.

Good Night BabyThe King Tones

The King Tones – Good Night Baby – 1968 – Japan

This is the song that made The King Tones famous.

It stayed in the Oricon Top 20 for 12 weeks.

In the film Yellow Elephant starring Osamu Mukai and Aoi Miyazaki, there’s a scene where a drunken old man sings this song—he’s quite a good singer, too.