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.

Playlist

Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	AliensKirinji		A Kirinji masterpiece that depicts society’s loneliness and love
2	Ti AmoEXILE		A poignant love story for adults, with a passionate singing voice
3	Lingering Snowdolphin		The classic song “Nagori Yuki” by Iruka is moving.
4	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s poignant ballad
5	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng		The Legend of Teresa Teng, the Diva of Asia
6	Wine Red HeartSafe zone		Safe Zone (Anzen Chitai) captivated by Koji Tamaki’s voice
7	I want to hug you.Mr.Children		A heartwarming gem of a love song, a classic by Mr.Children
8	Pink sighMariko Takahashi		A Mediterranean-style love classic: passion and beauty
9	dearestMasaharu Fukuyama		A poignant tale of deep love and farewell
10	Love is overOuyang Feifei		A classic song by a Taiwanese singer about a breakup
11	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima		Eigo Kawashima’s Melancholy Masterpiece and Final Days
12	Broken RadioHidemasa Tokunaga		A masterpiece with captivating high notes and vibrato
13	The Path of Starlit ShadowsNaomi Chiaki		The singer of applause, a moving masterpiece from their later years.
14	I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki		The sorrowful songstress, her soul is inherited by her son.
15	Crystal Kingmetropolis		A superb song with outstanding vocals, featuring captivating high notes and harmonies.
16	Mary JaneHiro Tsunoda		Hiro Tsunoda’s deep voice is captivating.
17	It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Masaki Ueda		Masaki Ueda’s classic song “It’s a Sad Color.”
18	The one I still love even after we’ve broken upLos Indios & Sylvia		A classic mood-kayō hit that colored the Bubble Era
19	atonementTeresa Teng		Listening to Teresa Teng’s classic song “Tsunai”
20	A street corner where even lovers get wetMasatoshi Nakamura		Masatoshi Nakamura's classic melodies for adults
21	moonlightmoumoon		A heartwarming autumn night song embraced by moonlight
22	Scorpio womanKenichi Mikawa		Reappraising Kenichi Mikawa’s “Scorpio Woman”
23	Midnight PretendersTomoko Aran		A city pop classic: loneliness at night and love
24	KanadeSukima Switch		A heartwarming ballad that sings of the world's radiance.
25	So sad I can’t bear itThe Folk Crusaders		A moving work that brings tears with a heart-healing singing voice
26	Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI		A heartwarming wedding song that sings of love and bonds
27	Why did I end up falling in love with you?TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)		A masterpiece that sings of the pain of heartbreak and pure love
28	Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida		Remembering Yokohama's night view and famous songs
29	Someday Merry ChristmasB’z		A bittersweet Christmas song to listen to on a winter night
30	Love SongGReeeeN		A song by GReeeeN about feelings for a loved one
31	GoodbyeOf course		From rain to snow, a timeless classic about a bittersweet farewell
32	single bedSharam Q		Sha la Q’s classic song that depicts the pain of heartbreak.
33	Hide-and-seekYuri		A heart-stirring ballad that sings of a wistful unrequited love.
34	Close your eyesKen Hirai		Ken Hirai's gemlike ballad, a heartrending love song
35	White LoversKeisuke Kuwata		Embracing the memories of a winter romance along with love
36	rootKing Gnu		A classic song that sings of gentle love for someone special
37	Lovers AgainEXILE		A bittersweet love ballad exuding mature allure
38	Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End		A song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of love on a summer night
39	Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto		The Appeal of “Ue o Muite Arukō”
40	Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki		Kiyohiko Ozaki: an overwhelming voice and appearance
41	Sometimes, old storiesTokiko Kato		A song that shines with Tokiko Kato’s captivating singing voice
42	Good Night BabyThe King Tones		Popular hit songs by The King Tones
43	Ruby RingAkira Terao		The sexy singing voice and charm of Akira Terao
44	The Scent of CyclamenAkira Fuse		Akira Fuse’s singing voice is charming and resonant.
45	Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada		The allure of the sexy singer, Kenji Sawada
46	Boat SongAki Yashiro		Aki Yashiro’s classic: a gentle song from a man’s perspective
47	First LoveHikaru Utada		A moving song by 15-year-old Hikaru Utada
48	I can’t forget it.Sakanaction		An unforgettable nostalgic song with an ’80s vibe
49	NightmareKiyotaka Sugiyama		Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s new song, imbued with deep emotion and hope
50	Sharks and MermaidsKazuyoshi Okamura		Kazuyoshi Okamura’s first ballad depicts an adult romance.
51	Hymn to LoveKoshiji Fubuki		Fubuki Koshiji: The Allure of Chanson and Takarazuka
52	To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedro & Capricious		The depth of the classic songs sung by Mari Takahashi
53	A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken		Ken Naoko’s charm lies in her diverse expressions and striking contrasts.
54	Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora		Hibari Misora, the last song with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto
55	All-Night RadioAdo		A theme song inspired by Ado’s late-night radio
56	My loverMayumi Itsuwa		A heartrending song that steals the heart, the sorrow of parting
57	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi		A classic song sung by Momoe Yamaguchi with youthful charm and sensuality
58	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s debut song, written and composed by Ami Ozaki.
59	DESIREAkina Nakamori		Akina Nakamori, who stands out as an outlier in the idol world
60	Love Story Comes SuddenlyKazumasa Oda		The classic song 'Because I Met You'