[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.
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[Night Songs] Masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP to listen to at nighttime (71–80)
You among the starsUru
Uru, who gained popularity on YouTube and made her major debut in 2016, released her debut single “Hoshi no Naka no Kimi” (“You in the Stars”).
It was chosen as the theme song for the film Natsumi no Hotaru starring Kasumi Arimura.
Released as Uru’s first original song after uploading many videos, she revealed very little personal information even after her debut, which drew attention to her as a “mysterious singer.” It’s a beautiful piano ballad whose simple lyrics about caring for someone truly resonate.
It’s a song I’d love for you to listen to with your partner while taking in a night view.
Friday NightZAZEN BOYS
Friday Night by ZAZEN BOYS, the band led by Shutoku Mukai of the legendary group Number Girl that spearheaded the ’90s alt-rock boom.
It’s included on the 2006 album ZAZEN BOYS III.
The funky performance pairs perfectly with lyrics that vividly express his unique worldview—so cool.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.
Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.
The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.
Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart.
It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.
Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.
A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.
On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.
Nocturne Under the MoonMALICE MIZER
This is “Gekka no Yasoukyoku” by the visual kei band MALICE MIZER, which was active in the ’90s.
They were one of the so-called Four Heavenly Kings of visual kei.
For a time, Gackt was also a member, and the band enjoyed a charismatic level of popularity back then.
Their costumes themed around medieval Europe are striking.
The mysterious tone of the song suits their vibe very well.
Burning Friday NightLucky Kilimanjaro
A song that paints a nighttime scene of sharing whisky and loneliness has been released by Lucky Kilimanjaro.
It features an upbeat rhythm inspired by 80s city pop and disco, with glossy, synth-driven textures that leave a strong impression.
The lyrics carefully depict the Friday-night mix of exhilaration and solitude, along with the longing for human connection.
Included on their first mini-album, FULLCOLOR, released in July 2015, the track resurfaced on social media in 2023, garnering renewed attention and surpassing 10 million streams as a revival hit.
It’s perfect as background music for settings with a mature vibe, like nighttime drives or bars.
For those carrying loneliness yet striving to look ahead, it’s sure to be a song that stays close to the heart.
Driving All NightDOUBLE
This is a track released in 2002 by DOUBLE, the solo project of TAKAKO.
Rooted in R&B, it’s upbeat yet mature, making it easy to groove to and a real mood booster when you listen.
Throughout the song, there aren’t many flashy developments; instead, the tight beat and funky bassline stand out.
As the title suggests, it perfectly fits as background music for a late-night drive.
For those who’ve been listening since back then, it feels nostalgic, and for first-time listeners, it comes across as stylish and fresh.
Wonderlandiri
A masterpiece depicting the heart of someone striving to find light within deep darkness has arrived from iri.
Set to a luscious melody steeped in R&B and soul, it tenderly envelops the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life while powerfully singing of the will to move toward the light.
Included on the album “Private,” this track has continued to soothe countless listeners since its release in March 2023.
It’s a warm song that keeps you company on late-night drives or in moments when you want to cherish time alone.
iri’s gentle yet resolute voice is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of those who listen.