Let’s celebrate the Valentine season with songs by eight modern Japanese artists, telling stories that range from first love confessions to fantastical tales of fate.

Micah Go, for JAPAN Forward

Being home to the second largest music market in the world, Japan has an undeniable love for music, and the topic of love in its every form is a favorite among Japanese artists to write and sing about. The popularity of modern love songs, like the ONE OK ROCK classic “Wherever You Are,” is a testament to this.

So, this year, we celebrate the Valentine season with songs by eight other modern Japanese artists, telling stories that range from first love confessions to fantastical tales of fate. Join our celebration, below:

‘Prologue’ by Shota Shimizu (featuring Aimer)

Let’s start off with an aptly-titled song by Shota Shimizu which he sings as a duet with Aimer: “Prologue.” This track is sung from the perspective of two people who share the same painful fate of having been in relationships that ended prematurely. But perhaps by fate as well, they are drawn towards each other, igniting a possibility for the two of them to have a second chance at love. But will they take it?

Follow Shota Shimizu and watch the music video here to find where the answer lies.

‘Kokuhaku’ (Confession) by My First Story

Speaking of chances, if given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to convey how you feel for that special person, would you grab it? This song by My First Story is a mellow, piano-driven track that wonderfully captures the beautiful feeling of a “kokuhaku” or a confession as one grapples with the fear (and excitement) of whether or not the other person feels the same way for them.

Follow MyFirstStory and watch the music video here for this song about such a confession.

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