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[Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.

The unique atmosphere of nighttime—something you don’t get in the morning or afternoon—somehow evokes a touch of wistfulness and loneliness, doesn’t it?

In this article, we’ll introduce classic and popular songs themed around “night,” perfect for those hours.

We’ve gathered tracks ideal for quiet nights, such as “songs you want to listen to alone at night” and “songs that evoke beautiful nighttime scenery.”

If you’re looking for music that matches night views for an evening walk, drive, or run, be sure to check these out.

From ballads that suit a relaxed night to dance tunes that make you want to move, we’ve got you covered—there’s sure to be a track you’ll want to play.

[Night Songs] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (61–70)

Because it's a cold night...TRF

TRF / Because It’s a Cold Night (1994 version)
Because It's a Cold Night… TRF

TRF, a dance and vocal group that dominated the 1990s, released the hit song “Because It’s a Cold Night…” in 1993.

This classic track helped the group, known for their dance tunes, gain a new fan base, and it reached No.

8 on the Oricon singles chart.

Tetsuya Komuro, who wrote and composed the song, is said to have created “Because It’s a Cold Night…” in just five minutes while riding his bicycle between his home and the studio in the cold.

Be sure to check out the music video too—it evokes a snowy night!

In the night sky where I can't even dreamBEYOOOOONDS

BEYOOOOONDS “In a Night Sky Where I Can’t Even Dream” Promotion Edit
In a night sky where I can’t even dream, BEYOOOOONDS

An endlessly straightforward sentiment—“I love you more than anyone in the world”—is sung in this blissful piece.

It’s a song by BEYOOOOONDS, an idol group from Hello! Project, released in April 2023 as their fourth single.

Its collaboration with the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo orchestra became a hot topic.

The bright, radiant vocals, catchy melodies, and grand sound come together to make you feel as if you’re in a dreamland.

The deep affection reflected in the lyrics travels clearly—from your ears straight to the depths of your heart.

Night grooveiri

iri – Night groove | Sofar Tokyo
Night grooveiri

Sung by iri, known for her soulful voice, this is a perfect night-time track, “Night groove.” Its mid-tempo pace and superb groove-driven melody shine against the backdrop of the night.

The shift into a floaty, slower tempo mid-song also feels great.

The lyrics—penned with iri’s distinctive word sense—vividly color the night scene, conveying the flutter of falling in love in an instant.

It’s the kind of music that makes you want to surrender yourself and sway along.

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.

Akatsuki-zukuyoHONEY WORKS

Akatsuki Moonlit Night / HoneyWorks feat. Kagamine Rin
Akatsuki Moonlit Night - Akatsukizukuyo - HoneyWorks

If you’re looking for a Vocaloid song with a nighttime theme, I recommend HoneyWorks’ “Akatsukizukuyo.” Its lyrics layer the bittersweetness of night with the bittersweetness of a love song, making it truly moving.

The music video feels just like reading a manga, so be sure to watch the visuals closely while you listen.

tropical nightRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Tropical Night
Tropical Night RIP SLYME

When it comes to RIP SLYME’s perfect-for-summer night tracks, “Nettaiya” (Tropical Night) is the one that stands out.

Released as a single in 2007, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It was used in campaign commercials for Coca-Cola and iTunes, and that’s why the group’s name is styled like the Coca-Cola logo on the CD jacket.

The track features a dense, exotic sound that evokes a humid tropical night and leaves a strong impression.

Slip through the nightToshi-kun

Kotokun is a reggae singer who has been active mainly in the Kansai region since the 2000s.

His 2023 release “Yoru wo Surinukete” (Slip Through the Night) is a heroic track that portrays the heart facing anxieties and fears about the future.

A lively sound where guitar and synth interweave unfolds over an urban-tinged beat.

The lyrics incorporate Osaka place names, expressing his love for the land he cherishes.

It’s a song filled with the resolve to keep moving through the night without stopping, even when looking back on the past or fearing the future.