Top 6 Gentle Japanese Songs for Rainy Days

Motohiro Hata is a Japanese singer-songwriter who debuted under the major label BMG Japan in 2006 with his single "Synchro". In 1999, he held his first major concert at the FAD Yokohama theater, after being introduced by a friend. His breakout hit, "Kimi, Meguru, Boku", peaked at number 15 on the Oricon chart in 2008 and was also featured as the opening theme for the anime series Itazura na Kiss. Since then, Hata has released six singles in the top 20 and two albums in the top 10.

J-pop artist and songwriter Motohiro Hata set a record for the most weeks on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with his 2014 hit, "Himawari No Yakusoku". The movie Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa) features the song "Rain", originally written and performed by Senri Oe in 1988, but re-recorded by Hata for the film. The 2013 movie, directed by Makoto Shinkai, stars Miyu Irino and Kana Hanazawa, with music composed by Daisuke Kashiwa, who replaced Tenmon, known for composing music for Shinkai's previous films.

Anri Kumaki is a Japanese pop singer-songwriter currently signed to unBORDE Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Japan. She began writing songs at the age of 17 and won a spot in a televised audition held by Nippon Television in 2001. Her debut single, "Madoe", was produced by Ryo Yoshimata. On Buzzlearn.com, Anri is listed as a successful singer born in 1982 and has also made it to the list of Japan's wealthiest individuals.

Anri Kumaki's net worth is estimated to be between 1 to 5 million dollars, largely earned from her successful singing career. She won a singing competition in 2001 with the songs "Madoe" and "Tokei", which became her debut single and B-side. Her first album performed well, reaching number 33 on the Oricon charts. Many of her songs have been featured in movies and TV dramas, including her famous track, "Hello Goodbye & Hello".

When talking about famous Japanese songs, it's impossible not to mention the works of Aoi Teshima. One of her most notable songs is 'Sayonara no Natsu', which translates to 'Summer Farewell' in English. The best time to listen to this song is during the hot summer days, when the sound of cicadas fills the air under the scorching sun. The song was also chosen as the theme for the anime film 'From Up on Poppy Hill'.

'Sayonara no Natsu' features a gentle melody that resonates deeply with many J-pop enthusiasts. In Japan, summer is often associated with farewells and separations, which makes this song particularly poignant. The hauntingly sad ballad, performed by Aoi Teshima, amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics. On a rainy day, listening to 'Sayonara no Natsu' in a cozy café or bookstore would make for a truly unforgettable experience, full of deep emotion.

The soundtrack from the anime film 5cm/s has become one of the most beloved Japanese songs. Not only is it popular in Japan, but it has also spread across the world, becoming a favorite among music lovers. Known for its gentle yet emotionally intense melody, the song 'Sakura anata ni deaete yokatta' is frequently covered in various languages such as English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

The story follows Tōno Takaki and his long-distance relationship with a girl he knew from school in the 1990s, and the emotional distance that grows between them despite their attempts to stay in touch. The film won multiple awards, including Best Animated Film at the Asia Pacific Film Awards in 2007, and the Platinum Lancia Award for Best Cinematography and Special Effects.

Teshima Aoi is a Japanese singer and voice actress, known for her roles in several of Goro Miyazaki's films, including 'Tales from Earthsea' and 'From Up on Poppy Hill'. She has also performed numerous songs for popular anime movie soundtracks. Notably, she sang 'Therru's Song' in the film 'Tales from Earthsea', where she also voiced the character Theru. Additionally, she contributed songs like 'Light' and 'Warmth of the Moon' for the Nintendo Wii game series.

One of Teshima Aoi's most beloved songs is 'Ai wo Komete Umi'. The lyrics for this song were written by Goro Miyazaki, with music composed by Hiroko Taniyama. The song captures the delicate and serene qualities characteristic of Japanese music, making a deep and lasting impact on listeners. Its haunting beauty stays with you long after the song ends, and for fans of Japanese music, it's a must-listen track.

'Yuki no Hana', known as 'Snow Flower' in English, is Mika Nakashima's 10th single. It was featured in a commercial for Meiji Boda as well as Meiji Galbo. Written by Satomi and composed by Ryouki Matsumoto, 'Yuki no Hana' quickly became a hit, reaching #3 on the Oricon weekly charts and selling over 248,000 copies. The song's widespread popularity led to multiple covers in different languages, including a famous Korean version by Park Hyo Shin, which was featured in the popular K-drama 'I'm Sorry, I Love You'. Another version in Korean was performed by Seo Young Eun. The track also became one of Japan's most popular karaoke songs in 2004. On December 24, 2018, Blackpink's Jisoo performed 'Yuki no Hana' as a Christmas gift during the final night of their Arena Tour at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka.