Songs about Tokyo: A Collection of Popular J‑Pop Classics [2025]

Thank youTakuya Ohashi

Takuya Ohashi / Arigatou “Sukima no Hanataba ~Love Song Selection~” Released on September 19, 2018!

This is a solo song by Sukima Switch’s Takuya Ohashi, a message from a son who came to Tokyo to chase his dreams to his mother.

Our gratitude to a mother who sometimes pushes us forward and other times opens her arms to embrace us is endless.

I want to become someone who can support such a mother.

TokyoHirakawachi 1-chome

Tokyo (TV) Hirakawachi Icchome

A captivating song with a gentle, heartfelt melody and lyrics that paint a dazzling longing for one’s hometown.

Each listen brings Tokyo’s scenery vividly to life, wrapping you in a curious mix of nostalgia and freshness.

Released in 2008, this track has remained a beloved signature work of Hirakawachi Icchoume.

It’s a song that anyone can enjoy—those living in Tokyo, those planning to visit—layering their own memories and dreams onto it.

Perfect for those moments when you pause in the rush of daily life and let your thoughts drift to the people and places you hold dear.

TOKYO GIRLMinako Honda

TOKYO GIRL Minako Honda I tried singing it♪

A gem of a song by Minako Honda that brilliantly captures both the bustle and the allure of the big city.

Her voice—powerful yet fragile—conveys the multifaceted charm of Tokyo.

Released in October 2011, this track resonates deeply with listeners and continues to be cherished as a timeless classic.

The vocals, where the yearning for the city intersects with the feelings of those who live there, create a vivid sense of walking through Tokyo’s streets.

When you find yourself at a crossroads in life, why not listen to this song and gather the courage to take a new step forward?

CAT’S EYEAnri

cat’s eyes (1983 Cat’s Eye) OP

It is the theme song of the TV anime based on the manga of the same name, released on August 5, 1983 as Anri’s 13th single.

The song appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year and was used as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament the following year.

It’s a high-energy pop track that sings about a woman living for love in the big city.

Yamanote LineKeyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 'Yamanote Line' Short Ver.

This song portrays a girl burdened by loneliness, struggling to break free from her current situation despite being in her youth.

By likening herself to the Yamanote Line, it conveys the sense of endlessly looping through anguish and inner conflict.

This track is also a solo by center Yurina Hirate.

Leaning against the cold walls of TokyoKai Band

Kai Band - Leaning Against Tokyo's Cold Wall

A song that vividly portrays loneliness and alienation in the big city.

Known as one of Kai Band’s signature works, it helped pioneer Japanese rock.

Yoshihiro Kai’s powerful yet wistful vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in June 2001, the track symbolically expresses the coldness of urban life and the fragility of human relationships.

Yet it’s never despairing; it also sings of the courage and hope to keep moving forward.

Recommended for those diving into a new environment or feeling worn out by city life.

If you listen while walking through the city at night, it might give you a chance to face yourself.

SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A poignant masterpiece where Tokyo’s scenery overlaps with memories of a lost love.

Modeled after the real Sakura-zaka in Ota Ward, this song looks back on a love that has passed, portraying unchanging feelings and fragile dreams.

Released in April 2000 as the theme song for the TBS variety show “U-nan no Hontoko! Mirai Nikki V,” it posted an astonishing 751,000 copies sold in its first week.

It became the last single of the 20th century to surpass two million in total sales, leading that year’s music scene.

It’s a track we hope you’ll listen to as spring arrives and you find yourself remembering a love you lost.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s warm vocals will gently stay by your side.