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

[Rain Songs] Songs to listen to on a rainy day. A special feature on rain-themed tracks.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Do you like rainy days?

Some people dislike them because you get wet and can’t go out, while others love the sound of the rain or the calm atmosphere—there are all kinds of opinions.

For many, rain also ties in with a slightly bittersweet feeling, and there are plenty of songs that use rain as a theme to sing about that sense of poignancy.

In this article, we’ll introduce lots of popular songs that are perfect for listening to on a rainy day!

While many of them are melancholy, there are also songs that sing about hope—like how the rain will stop someday—so be sure to listen to plenty of them!

[Rain Songs] Songs to listen to on rainy days. Special Rain Song Feature (51–60)

cold rainBONNIE PINK

BONNIE PINK – Cold Rain

Cold Rain by BONNIE PINK

BONNIE PINK is an artist with a unique worldview, and this song has incredibly intense lyrics.

It uses rain as a metaphor to express being beaten down and exhausted, yet still having the strength to keep going.

That makes the sense of harshness even stronger, but it’s a powerful song.

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On a Rainy DayOf course

On a Rainy Day - Off Course (cover)

Off Course on a Rainy Day

This is a song included on Off Course’s third original album, The Scent of Wine, released in 1975.

Lyrics and music by Kazumasa Oda.

The song and its lyrics exude a sense of melancholy—very characteristic of Oda.

His crystal-clear singing voice also leaves a strong impression.

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SquallEiko Matsumoto

Eiko Matsumoto Squall Matsumoto Eiko Squall

Squall by Eiko Matsumoto

It’s a love song written by Masaharu Fukuyama.

It sings about the joy a woman in love feels and how she is in his room.

You can almost picture a scene from a drama, like maybe she ended up staying over at the house of the guy she likes because a heavy rain suddenly started pouring.

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Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea

Red Sweet Pea Seiko Matsuda

When you’re feeling down because of the rain, I’d love for you to listen to Seiko Matsuda’s “Akai Sweet Pea.” The lyrics have a fresh, innocent feel, so I’m sure it will lift your spirits.

Released in 1982 as her eighth single, it’s one of the most popular songs in Matsuda’s repertoire.

The composer, Yumi Matsutoya, went on to provide many songs to Matsuda starting with this track.

You can almost picture the two of them sitting on a station bench in the rain!

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[Rain Songs] Songs to listen to on rainy days. Rain song special (61–70)

Rain SonataMISIA

Sang “Rain Sonata” by Misia

Rain Sonata MISIA

It was used as the song for P&G’s h&s commercial “Why don’t you get a head spa?” It’s included on MISIA’s 10th original album, SOUL QUEST.

It was released in 2011.

Lyrics and composition by MISIA and JP, arrangement by JP.

It’s such a gently soothing song that it made me want to go out and stand in the rain.

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RainsongMasayoshi Yamazaki

Rain Song

Rainsong Masayoshi Yamazaki

“Rain Song,” sung by singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, is another great pick for rainy days.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Adrenaline,” released in 1997.

With Yamazaki’s powerful vocals resonating emotionally, it’s a hidden gem known to those in the know.

The acoustic guitar has a refreshing tone that conjures up the image of the sky clearing after the rain.

The lyrics convey a resolve to move forward beyond feelings of heartache—making it a perfect post-rain song.

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cactusPorno Graffitti

PORNOGRAFFITTI “Cactus” (Makuhari Romance Porno ’11 ~DAYS OF WONDER~) / PORNOGRAFFITTI “Saboten (Live Ver.)”

Cactus Pornography

A Porno Graffitti number that depicts a couple’s relationship gradually falling apart.

In fact, it’s said that the title and lyrics were changed multiple times before release.

The two sadly reach the end without noticing the signs the lover shows here and there.

Even so, in the end the narrator realizes those feelings and their own oversights, and wishes they could start over.

The imagery in the lyrics is like rain that keeps falling, followed by the sun breaking through.

It’s not just bittersweet—it’s a song that also conveys a sense of hope.

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