Rain Songs: A curated selection of tracks that feature rain in the lyrics — including many nostalgic Japanese hits
Japan has words for rainy seasons and seasonal rains, such as tsuyu (the rainy season), harusame (spring rain), and shigure (late autumn showers).
In Japanese popular music, there are masterpieces that depict the look of “rain” in each season, as well as lyrics that poignantly link rain with one’s emotions.
In this article, we’ve selected songs that feature the word “rain” in their lyrics.
We’ll cover a wide range, from nostalgic classics everyone knows to the latest hits.
Please relax and enjoy to the end as you picture scenes of rain.
[Rain Songs] Carefully selected tracks with “rain” in the lyrics! Many nostalgic Japanese hit songs also appear (1–10)
RainMotohiro Hata
This is a cover by Motohiro Hata that was used as the ending theme for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film The Garden of Words.
The original is a classic penned by Senri Oe in 1988.
Hata’s calm yet resolute, crystalline vocals matched the film’s delicate atmosphere beautifully.
Depicting the frustrating emotions of lovers who pass by each other in the rain without ever expressing their true feelings, this piece is one that will gently stay by your side on a rainy day when you feel like getting lost in your thoughts.
Ref:rainAimer
Aimer’s husky yet fragile voice, delicate enough to seem breakable, seeps into the heart.
This work beautifully portrays the emotion of quietly gazing at feelings that never reached their destination, layering regrets of days gone by over the ceaseless rain.
The repeating piano motif feels as if it mirrors the mind’s looping thoughts.
Released in February 2018 as her 14th single, the song was used as the ending theme for the anime “After the Rain.” It’s a track that gently stays by your side on a rainy day when you want to drift into thought, or on a night when you wish to sink into the sentiments hidden deep within your heart.
umbrellaSEKAI NO OWARI
A fantastical medium-tempo ballad that personifies a voiceless “umbrella” and portrays its pure will to protect someone.
Released by SEKAI NO OWARI in June 2020, the song also drew attention as the theme for the drama “Dragon Road: Two-Faced Avenger.” Written from the perspective of an umbrella that shouldn’t have emotions, the lyrics convey a poignant determination to protect a cherished person, even at the cost of self-sacrifice, resonating deeply with many fans.
When you strongly wish to protect someone, or on nights when you feel lonely, listening to it may bring warm tears to your eyes.
umbrellaMrs. GREEN APPLE
Amid an unending rain of sorrow, a powerless feeling like standing motionless without an umbrella.
Even so, it is a song that portrays a painfully selfless love, swearing to become the “umbrella” oneself to protect a loved one.
The track was included on the 2016 single “Samama Festival!” and was later featured on the 2017 album “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.” Written by vocalist Motoki Omori during his high school years and released after parting with someone close, its background deepens the work’s sense of urgency.
When your heart is shrouded in deep sadness, listening to it will remind you that feelings for someone can be a source of salvation.
RAINSEKAI NO OWARI
A gentle, hope-filled pop ballad that evokes a rainbow after the rain.
While depicting life’s hardships and tears as “rain,” it warms the listener’s heart with the message that a bright future always awaits beyond them.
Released in July 2017, this song moved many as the theme for the animated film “Mary and The Witch’s Flower,” and it also won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
When you stumble and hang your head, this song becomes a quiet umbrella and gives you the courage to look up.
It’s a track that stays close to you in just that way.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A song by Yasushi Nakanishi that portrays a poignant scene of lovers parting on a rain-soaked street.
Released in September 1992, it became a massive hit with over 800,000 copies sold, establishing Nakanishi as a ballad singer.
The fact that it continues to be covered by many artists, including EXILE’s ATSUSHI and Kumi Koda, attests to its universal appeal and emotional depth.
Let yourself be enveloped by its warm, resonant vocals, and you’re sure to find a moment of peace.
Rainy BlueHidemasa Tokunaga
Hideto Tokunaga’s debut work paints a bittersweet love against the backdrop of raindrops.
Its mellow atmosphere and distinctive whispery vocals leave a strong impression.
Released in January 1986, this song was composed when Tokunaga was 24.
The lyrics overlay the pain of heartbreak and a sense of loss with the image of rain, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s especially moving on rainy days.
Highly recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who enjoys gently melancholic songs.