Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

Composition nerdSugar-free
Hello! I’m Mutou, always on the hunt for emo vibes in music. Ever since I heard Spitz playing on the car stereo back in elementary school, I’ve been captivated by music. My tastes are broad—Japanese rock, UK sounds, EDM, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and more. I enjoy composing using guitar, keyboard, and DAW. Wishing all music lovers wonderful encounters through music!
lightercatnap
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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 (51–60)

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi, like tonight’s moon

Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band that has released numerous classics, known for their message-driven lyrics and a vocal style no one can imitate.

Their 15th single, “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni,” written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” is widely known across generations as one of the band’s signature songs.

Its lyrics painting a summer night sky and its lyrical melody evoke vivid scenes in your mind just by listening.

It’s a quintessential masterpiece of the 1990s, with a dramatic worldview that resonates deeply.

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lighthouseGen Hoshino

Lighthouse (Live Session)

Lighthouse - Gen Hoshino

Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, whose talents are drawing attention as he thrives across a wide range of fields beyond music, has released a globally simultaneous digital EP, LIGHTHOUSE.

The track Todai (Lighthouse), included as the opening number, is one of the ending themes written anew for each episode of the Netflix talk variety show LIGHTHOUSE.

Though the lyrics may at first seem to carry a negative message, they are imbued with universal truths that resonate with any life.

It’s an emotional number whose delicate ensemble—featuring only acoustic guitar—colors the night.

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tropical nightSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tropical Night”

Tropical Night SHISHAMO

This song, which poignantly sings of a cute girl’s feelings, is “Nettaiya” (Tropical Night) by the girl band SHISHAMO.

It’s included on their 2016 album SHISHAMO 3.

The contrast between the mellow vocals and the crisp, funky guitar is wonderful.

It’s the perfect track for a summer night stroll.

Also pay attention to the lyrics—girls in love will find themselves saying, “I know exactly how that feels!”

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Beyond the nightcrane

Crane – Across the Night

Cranes Beyond the Night

This is a feel-good track featuring Tsuru’s funky-as-can-be three-piece Afro-era 8-beat.

It’s a gentle nighttime rock number that offers a bit of comfort, as if a rock band like them is powerfully backing you up through those unbearably anxious nights.

With a tender, warm vocal, Afro flair, and beautiful choral work, it’s a dependable nighttime anthem from Tsuru—one you’ll want to listen to carefully to take in the message.

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

NightmareKiyotaka Sugiyama

Kiyotaka Sugiyama – Nightmare (Official Music Video)

Nightmare Kiyotaka Sugiyama

Kiyotaka Sugiyama is an artist who epitomizes Japan’s AOR scene and swept the 1980s with his breezy sound.

“Nightmare” is a track pre-released from his 2023 album FREEDOM.

It has a chic vibe, with a warm, enveloping sonic texture.

Sugiyama’s clear voice is pleasing to the ear, and although the theme is night, it feels like a refreshing breeze is blowing through.

It soothes a wounded heart and inspires a positive mindset to move forward.

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The Night Before DepartureLOST IN TIME

The Night Before Departure

The Night Before Departure LOST IN TIME

LOST IN TIME’s “Tabidachi Zenya” is a cheer for “you,” who sets off tomorrow.

Unlike their earlier songs, this one is a straight-up rock track.

The shouted vocal style, straightforward lyrics, and headlong performance are all encouraging.

It’s a song I want people leaving their hometowns for school or work to hear.

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Beat of DawnFujifabric

Fujifabric 'Dawn Beat'

Dawn Beat Fujifabric

This song, included on the 2010 album “MUSIC,” was also selected as the theme song for the drama Moteki.

The chorus, with its striking melody and lyrical resonance, is so distinctive that even people unfamiliar with Fujifabric may find it familiar.

The lyrics, themed around the middle of the night, leave room for each listener’s own interpretation.

It’s a track that fills you with an excited, heart-pounding feeling, as if something amazing is about to happen.

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