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 (41–50)
Ruby RingAkira Terao
Atsushi Terao’s uniquely nasal singing voice is sexy, and the nonchalant way he sings is incredibly cool.
His sunglasses are great, too.
“Ruby no Yubiwa” was composed by Terao himself.
The idea of giving a ruby ring, a birthstone, is brimming with a sultry vibe that hints at a mature romance.
The Scent of CyclamenAkira Fuse
I’m smitten from the intro.
And on top of that, there’s Akira Fuse’s looks.
He’s known for his clear, expansive voice and powerful vocal projection.
This song was released in 1975, with lyrics and music by Kei Ogura.
His vocals back then were wonderful, but Fuse’s voice as he’s aged has gained a rugged richness that’s deeply compelling.
Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada
The song itself is great, of course, but Julie—Kenji Sawada—just oozes sex appeal.
He had legions of passionate female fans.
I’ve never seen anyone wear a hat tilted that far to the side and make it look so good.
And his singing more than matches his sexy looks—his vibrato is on point and it’s absolutely wonderful.
Boat SongAki Yashiro
This is one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs.
The opening lyrics are very famous.
It’s a wonderful piece where the contrast between the male-perspective lyrics of a ‘man’s song’ and Yashiro’s gentle aura really shines.
Listening to this track puts me in a New Year’s Eve mood.
First LoveHikaru Utada
Weren’t you shocked the first time you listened to this song? I heard that Hikaru Utada, who sings it, was 15 years old when it was released.
What kind of experiences could one have in just 15 years of life to be able to write a song like this? Besides this track, I also really love songs like “Hanataba wo Kimi ni.”
I can't forget it.Sakanaction
Released in 2019, this song became a hot topic for its deliberate nods to the 1980s in every aspect—the sound, the music video’s direction, the costumes, and even the fact that it was put out on an 8cm CD.
True to the title “Wasurerarenai no” (“I Can’t Forget”), reading the lyrics brings to mind those things you can’t forget—or don’t want to forget—that suddenly surface in your head.
Paired with a melody that evokes the AOR flavor popular in the ’80s, it comes together as a track that perfectly suits an urban night.
NightmareKiyotaka Sugiyama
A song that feels like it stays close to you on a wistful night—that’s Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s latest work.
Its deep emotions and powerful melody blend exquisitely, leaving a quiet afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Included on the album “FREEDOM,” released in May 2023, it drew attention as his first new release in about three years.
Written by Sugiyama himself, the lyrics weave together reflections on past experiences, nostalgia for days gone by, and hope for the future.
It’s perfect as background music for spending time alone with a lover or someone special.
It’s also recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing night by themselves.
Wrapped in its comforting tones, this is a song that lets you feel the energy to face tomorrow.