Top 10 Japanese Valentine's Day Songs

Valentine's is about expressing your love for one another, it may have been created by the Christian martyr called Valentine of Rome however it means so much more today. For the last seven years I have been creating a love song for my husband, which usually means a bunch of international love songs. Even though he does not speak the other three languages I speak, he does enjoy the songs and encourages this tradition to continue each year. This year is slightly different though since my husband is learning my second favorite language, Japanese. Hence, I am making a CD full of Japanese love songs. I strongly urge you to reach out towards international music this year and express your love towards another person - either a spouse, potential love of your life and/or even a close friend.

Valentine's Day Song #1: Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto

This is a traditional love song that is called "Ue o muite arukō" but is well-known in Japan as Sukiyaki. You can usually find this song under both titles. According to Wikipedia, this song is the only Japanese song to ever "top of the sales charts in the United States" way back in 1963. Still today maybe people love this song and it is continually a treasured song of Japan. If you can not find the original there are millions of other artists that have recorded this song, each one equally good.

Valentine's Day Song #2: Love Letter by the BOA

BOA is a popular Korean/Japanese pop singer that has recorded many songs in Korean, Japanese and English. Her song, Love Letter, is an instant hit which was released in 2007. Many people quote that even if they are not BOA fans, this is the one song they like from her.

Valentine's Day Song #3: First Love by Utada Hikaru

Utada is famous among jpop lovers in America because she was actually born in America. She does have Japanese parents that were in the music industry, so she tends to sing in Japanese but also has songs completely in English. First Love came out in 1999 but is still popular among jpop lovers like myself. It is a sad love song but speaks to many people on Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Song #4: You're My Shining Star by Toshiki Kadomatsu

Some other artists have recorded this song however this seems to be the only recording I can find in America.

Valentine's Day Song #5: Ashita no Kyoku by Arashi

Arashi is a famous boy band in Japan and does this wonderful love song. Announcing their start in 1999 they are still going strong today.

Valentine's Day Song #6: Tea for Two by Tohoshinki

Tohoshinki is the Japanese name for the South Korean band TVXQ. Look for this song in Japanese; it is a beautiful love song.

Valentine's Day Song #7: Kiss Me Goodbye by Angela Aki

This is what I consider a "sappy" love song by a Japanese musician that goes by the stage name Angela Aki. You may have heard this song since (so I have been told) it was on Final Fantasy VXII.

Valentine's Day Song #8: Aishiteru by Kourin

Although I instantly fell in love with this sad love song by Kourin for the gentle feel to it, I am told that it was also used for a anime called "Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou".

Valentine's Day Song #9: Fall in Love by Lena Park

You might also find Lena Park with her original South Korean name of Jung-hyun Park.

I have the Japanese version of this song however I believe that she has also translated this into Korean and can be purchased either way.

Valentine's Day Song #10: Romance by Yuriko Nakamura

Unlike other songs listed above, this is a beautiful ballad most done on piano by Yuriko Nakamura. It is a wonderful song that lets the mind run free and is focused on romance, the perfect relaxing music on Valentine's Day.