Recommended love songs for women in their 20s. Classic and popular Japanese love songs.

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

The song “Stand by me, Stand by you” is one that makes you want to shout, “I want a love like this!” It’s a 2020 release by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for his chill vibe.

It’s a super sweet love song that’ll make you sigh.

The way he likens his girlfriend to a “princess,” like in a fairy tale, is especially swoon-worthy! The song tells the story of an ordinary couple who deepen their bond and eventually become lifelong partners.

If you read the lyrics closely, you can pick up on the subtle changes in their relationship.

It’s a song that celebrates the kind of romance everyone dreams of!

LemonKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A song written specifically for the Friday drama “Unnatural.” The drama follows a forensic pathologist protagonist and her colleagues in the same lab as they brightly and thrillingly unravel the mysteries and cases lurking behind “death.” At its core lies “human death,” which is also the theme of this song.

“Lemon” sings about feelings toward death through the perspective of “me” and the “you” who has passed away.

In the first verse, it portrays the feelings of “me” who has lost a loved one—the sorrow and the happiness of everyday life that is only realized after the loss—while the second verse depicts, from the deceased’s perspective, the feelings of wishing for “my” happiness.

maybeYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Tabun” Official Music Video

YOASOBI writes lyrics based on novels, and this song was written from Shino’s short story “Tabun” (“Probably”).

It portrays the feelings of heartbreak from a male perspective.

The protagonist insists that the breakup wasn’t anyone’s fault and that it was probably fate, trying to act tough.

Yet the words that slip out reveal how important the other person was and how lonely he feels without them.

It’s a song that depicts those emotions—literary in expression yet directly resonant—creating a uniquely compelling world.

PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Haven’t you ever had the experience of “we dated, but somehow it just didn’t work out”? The protagonist of this song also finds that their romance with “you” isn’t going well, feeling the frustration of being the only one trying and not being in sync.

While they think you’re precious and it would be painful to part, they try to convince themselves you’re not their destined one and decide to break up—capturing a poignant inner struggle.

Although it’s a heartbreaking breakup song, it’s sung over a bright, rhythmic melody, giving it a sense of positivity—almost as if the singer feels glad to have fallen in love with “you.”

A Naked HeartAimyon

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A song chosen as the theme for the TBS drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” It’s a love song that portrays a woman who, though exhausted by romance that never seems to blossom, still yearns for love.

While everyone around her is in relationships, she’s alone, unable to make things work.

Even as she feels anxious and impatient about her situation, she believes that someday it will go well, and she keeps moving forward little by little.

Set to a melody that carries a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, the lyrics candidly express both the strength and the vulnerability of women.

Baby youYuka

Yuka “Baby you” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Yuka, who rose to prominence thanks to social media, has been turning heads.

Her major-label debut single, released in January 2023, won the Music category of the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2023 and became a viral hit both in Japan and abroad.

Co-written with Takahito Uchisawa of androp, the track boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.

The lyrics straightforwardly convey an overflowing feeling of love, sure to make your heart flutter just by listening.

It’s no wonder it’s so popular in fan-edits and couple videos—the feel-good vibe is undeniable.

Also included on the album “messy bag,” this is an exceptionally cute pop song that’s perfect for moments when your affection for someone special is surging.

Give it a listen.

Midday RendezvousAnna Takeuchi

Anna Takeuchi – Midday Rendezvous (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi, known for her exceptional guitar playing and genre-defying musicality, has been drawing significant attention.

Released in July 2025, this track is a refreshing summer tune featured in an FM802 radio commercial.

Its light, buoyant beat and skillful syncopation vividly capture the exhilaration of a summer drive.

The lyrics portray the emotions of a couple enjoying a midday date: a perfect balance between the impulse to shout out overflowing love and the fresh restraint of holding back from a kiss.

It’s a sweet-and-sour feeling many will relate to.

Blending shimmering summer scenery with Takeuchi’s transparent vocals, this is a comfortable, sophisticated pop number.