Rain Songs: A curated selection of tracks that feature rain in the lyrics — including many nostalgic Japanese hits

Rainy Driverimase

【imase】Rainy Driver（Official Audio）

Set against a rainy-day drive, this gem by imase delicately portrays the subtle dynamics and emotional shifts between lovers.

The rain that starts after crossing the Shuto Expressway mirrors the cold distance growing between the two, sensitively expressing the moment when a once-sunny relationship begins to cloud over.

The frustration of trying to convey your feelings only to be met with feigned indifference, and the hope that two parallel lines might one day converge, resonate alongside the sound of the rain.

Featured on the May 2024 album “Bonsai,” this track is highly recommended for anyone struggling with the instability of love or those who want to savor the special atmosphere of a rainy day.

Lost Dog and the Beat of the RainASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

Lost Dog and the Beat of the Rain

This is a song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION that overlays the feelings of a lost dog on a rainy day with the inner turmoil of feeling lost in life.

It portrays the anxiety and loneliness of losing your way—and the determination to keep walking nonetheless—set to the rhythm of falling rain.

Released in May 2010, the track reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts and resonated with many listeners.

It’s a song to hear when you’re unsure about your direction in life or when you need the courage to jump into a new environment.

hydrangeaCanai

Kannai – Hydrangea [OFFICIAL AUDIO]

This is a song by Kyanai that candidly portrays the complex state of mind of someone who cheated, using the transience of flowers blooming in a rain-soaked city as a motif.

The lyrics, where self-justification shifts the blame for love onto the other person while inner conflict swirls, leave a powerful impression on listeners.

Released in May 2022, this ambitious work sings about romance from a bold new perspective.

It skillfully employs the language of flowers that bloom during the rainy season to poetically depict the fading of a once-pure love.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to face complicated romantic feelings while listening to the sound of rain, or when you want to reflect deeply on the contradictions of human relationships.

rainMiyuki Nakajima

Rain - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

It is a quintessential heartbreak song by Miyuki Nakajima, evoking a poignant scene of a helpless farewell.

Originally written in November 1978 as a song for Rumiko Koyanagi, she performed it at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The following year, Nakajima rearranged it in a folk style and included it on her first self-cover album, “Okaerinasai.” The profound despair of being betrayed by a lover, and the loneliness like being struck by cold rain, are sung over a quiet and beautiful melody.

When you want something to gently stay close to an unhealed wound in your heart, isn’t this a work that makes you want to listen closely to that pain?

Brilliant RainKing Gnu

King Gnu – Rain Radiantly

A King Gnu song that captures a paradoxical beauty—like sunlight pouring down on a rainy day.

It likens past fatigue and burdens to a rusty bicycle, yet powerfully sings of the will to keep moving forward.

Released digitally in July 2022 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Old Rookie,” it was also included on the album “Stardom.” As the rain beats down, washing away the weight on one’s heart, this song conveys a resolve to survive on a new stage.

It’s sure to gently nudge forward those facing a turning point in life or striving to stay positive amid hardship.

In love with Shizukuindigo la End

indigo la End 'In Love with Droplets'

A wistful love song by indigo la End that begins with a scene of watching the unending rain at an old bus stop.

Released in September 2015 as a double A-side single, the song uses rain imagery to portray the protagonist’s feelings as they gaze at a monochrome cityscape, thinking only of the one they love.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a day steeped in the gloom of the rainy season.

When your feelings for someone start to overflow, try listening quietly while standing in the rain—you may feel a sense of your heart being cleansed.

rainHitsuji Bungaku

rain

A song by Hitsujibungaku that exudes an introspective mood.

The gentle, delicate guitar tones and the clear, translucent vocals seep into the heart like rain, and many listeners may find themselves on the verge of tears.

It was included on the demo EP “BlUE.

ep” released in September 2016, and later featured on the nationwide CD “Tunnels” released in October 2017.

This track beautifully blends elements of alternative rock and dream pop.

It’s recommended for the rainy season, when you want to quietly sort out your thoughts while watching the rain flow past the window.