![[Tanabata Song] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SC6fWmtzGf0/hqdefault.jpg)
[Tanabata Song] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky
When it comes to Tanabata on July 7, the famous story is that it’s the one day of the year when Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to meet.
Maybe because of that episode, don’t you find yourself wanting to listen to fleeting, bittersweet love songs when Tanabata comes around? In this article, we’ll introduce love songs with a Tanabata theme that we recommend, as well as tracks that will move those in long-distance relationships and romantic songs that are perfect for the night sky.
If you’re looking for BGM for a Tanabata event or want to expand your karaoke repertoire, be sure to check it out!
[Tanabata Songs] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky (1–10)
Stargazersupittsu
A gemlike love ballad sung with Masamune Kusano’s crystal-clear voice, portraying a bittersweet night spent waiting for a reply to a confession.
The protagonist’s feelings—gazing up at the stars while harboring deep affection—are expressed through poetic and beautiful lyrics.
Released in January 2004, the song reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart for the first time in about seven years, serving as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ainori.” The lyrics, written by Masamune Kusano around the theme of “one night waiting for an answer to a confession,” resonate with a delicate balance of romantic anxiety and hope.
It’s a must-listen for those in long-distance relationships or anyone carrying feelings for someone special.
Wings of JulyAimer
Aimer’s exquisite ballad, where a clear, crystalline voice resonates through the summer night sky, beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings of a long-distance love.
Beginning with a quiet piano melody and gradually layering strings to unfold into a grand scale, the song’s structure evokes an atmosphere perfectly suited to a Tanabata night.
Featured on her June 2014 album Midnight Sun, it remains one of her signature works cherished by many fans.
It’s a perfect recommendation for those holding someone they can’t meet close in their hearts, or for a serene night spent gazing up at the stars.
OrihimeSuiyōbi no Campanella
How about a song by Wednesday Campanella for the special day of Tanabata? It’s a track called “Orihime,” which adds a modern interpretation to the Tanabata legend.
Its hallmark is the appearance of Orihime portrayed as a Reiwa-era gal.
Blending Japanese tradition with contemporary reality, the song offers a fresh perspective on Tanabata.
It’s a perfect pick if you’re looking for a slightly unconventional love song.
Surrender your body and soul to the music!
blinkback number
An inspiring song by back number that deeply contemplates the essence of happiness.
Released in December 2017 as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The lyrics, which sing that true happiness lies in holding an umbrella for someone precious to you, gently warm the heart.
For lovers separated by distance or those who can’t meet easily, it may especially stir a strong desire to “protect the other person” and “be by their side,” don’t you think?
At the star-street stationtuki.
A gem-like ballad by tuki.
that sings of feelings for a loved one separated by distance and the hope of reunion.
Released in June 2024, this song is also included on her first album, “15,” which she created at the age of 15, and it’s filled with raw, genuine emotion.
The lyrics, carried by her clear, transparent voice, express a brave resolve that refuses to lose hope for the future despite the loneliness and pain of being unable to meet.
They will deeply resonate with those in long-distance relationships or spending much time apart from someone dear.
Listen to it on the night of Tanabata, gazing up at the starry sky, and it will surely stay close to your heart.
You among the starsUru
“Hoshi no Naka no Kimi” is Uru’s debut single.
In 2016, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Natsumi no Hotaru,” based on Akio Morisawa’s novel and starring Kasumi Arimura.
It’s a beautiful love ballad that portrays the feelings of gazing at the profile of someone you love or your partner beneath a starry sky.
Its delicate sound and her vocals feel almost cleansing, bringing you to tears.
If you’re going to watch the stars with someone special on Tanabata, be sure to give it a listen.
Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End
A beautiful ballad by indigo la End that sings of those magical moments unique to summer nights.
Its lyrics gently depict the fleeting feelings of love within time that slips away, and the one-night-only, dreamlike experience—seeping tenderly into the heart.
Released in June 2015 as the B-side to the single “Before It Gets Sad,” this song paints a special moment shared with a loved one against a backdrop of summer scenes like festival sounds and fireworks.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly under the starry sky, especially if you’re in a long-distance relationship or carrying feelings for someone you can’t see often.