A melancholic “yami” song that was a hit in the 2000s. A bittersweet track.
Everyone must have experienced it at least once.
In those moments when you feel like your heart is about to break, a lyric or melody suddenly reaches your ears and, in a mysterious way, resonates with you and lifts you up.
The 2000s in particular were a tumultuous era when the way we enjoyed music changed dramatically.
Amid the shift from CDs to online distribution, countless “yami songs” (songs that grapple with darkness or emotional pain) were born, and they still support many people’s hearts today.
Lyrics you can’t help but relate to, melodies that pierce the chest.
Let yourself sink into that bittersweet feeling, along with the nostalgic memories of those days.
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Yami songs that were hits in the 2000s. Heart-wrenching tracks (11–20)
crescent moonayaka
This ambitious work powerfully sings of the aching feelings of longing for a faraway lover.
Released as a single in September 2006, it showcases Ayaka’s outstanding expressive ability to the fullest.
The song is memorable for its forward-looking resolve to overcome parting and loneliness with a loved one, as well as its strong will to keep thinking of that person, while also conveying a sense of a positive future.
It was featured as the CM song for au’s “LISMO” and as the theme song for NHK General TV’s “Tsunagaru TV @ Human,” and it won the Best New Artist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those in long-distance relationships or anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma
This song gently embraces the emotions of a long-distance relationship, carrying a bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment.
Even when lovers are physically apart, their hearts remain close—an emotion expressed with exquisite balance through Thelma Aoyama’s soft vocals and SoulJa’s rap.
Though busyness can make the emotional distance feel wider, the unwavering resolve to care for each other resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in January 2008, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and won the JASRAC Gold Award, becoming a massive hit recognized by Guinness World Records.
In 2022, a new collaborative track with SoulJa also came to fruition.
It’s a heartwarming message song that will resonate with those living apart from their partners or anyone grappling with the bonds they share with someone important.
NAOHY
A four-member hybrid band, HY, who are energetically active in music while simultaneously producing a natural brand, created this track.
Included on their indie fourth album, “Confidence,” the song was written by vocalist/keyboardist Izumi Nakasone based on a friend’s real-life experience.
The feeling of not being able to give up on someone even when you know they won’t return your feelings is painful, but rather than denying that emotion, the song feels like a cheer urging you to still walk a new path.
It’s a heartrending love song that helps you take the next step while carrying the weight of an unrequited love.
budKobukuro
An emotionally moving song that gently sings of the sorrow of losing a mother and the hope for the future.
Its simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar and a wistful yet warm melody resonates with many listeners.
Released by Kobukuro in March 2007, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Furthermore, in March 2008 it was selected as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, gaining nationwide recognition.
Embracing the feelings we have for family and loved ones, this piece is perfect for moments when your heart feels close to breaking or when you want to strongly remember someone.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
Formed in 2000.
Made their indie debut in 2002 and their major-label debut in 2004.
In 2009, vocalist Masahiko Shimura passed away suddenly, sending shockwaves through their fans.
In the 2000s, some might say they devoted their youth to this band.
This is their 10th single, released in 2007—a classic packed with the frustrations of adolescence.
After lineup changes, the band is still active today.
Dedicated to troubled youth.