Tear-jerking love songs: classic and popular hits from Japanese music

We’re already broken up, you and I.AYANE

AYANE / We’ve already broken up, you and I (Lyric Video)

It’s a bittersweet love song that brings back memories of past relationships.

Released in January 2025, it’s included on the EP album “my luv.” AYANE’s clear, airy vocals are striking, and before you know it, you find yourself overlaying your own life onto the world of the lyrics.

The smooth, mellow R&B sound really seeps in, too.

It’s perfect for listening alone on nights when you can’t help but think of an ex.

By the time it ends, you might be able to look forward a little.

Song for…HY

Song for…

A gem of a ballad about a bittersweet love, gifted to us by HY, a band from Okinawa.

Izumi Nakasone’s clear, luminous voice gently embraces the heartache of a love forced to part.

Included on their 2004 album TRUNK, this song is known as a masterpiece that leaves a deep mark on listeners’ hearts.

Its lyrics, which comfort those suffering from a breakup or enduring a long-distance relationship, are sure to resonate with you.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play when you want to feel the bond with someone special, or on nights when you need to cry alone.

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.

For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This is a heartwarming ballad that gently embraces deep love and gratitude for someone precious.

Even as everyday life changes in the blink of an eye and we feel on the verge of losing sight of what truly matters, the presence of a loved one reminds us of life’s meaning and joy.

The song portrays the beauty of unconditional love and mutual support, conveyed through a voice that resonates with the heart.

Released in February 2009 as JUJU’s ninth single, it became her first to enter the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and was also featured in a collaborative commercial by MTV Japan and Nissan.

Included on the album “What’s Love?”, it has garnered wide support, including numerous cover versions by various artists.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your feelings for someone special overflow or when you want to express your gratitude.

Let the warm vocals fill your heart with kindness.

Only HumanK

K　『Only Human』

A dramatic ballad by K that shines a light of hope, telling us that “beyond sorrow lies a smile.” Chosen as the theme song for the drama One Litre of Tears, the piece portrays people who keep looking forward even as they face life’s hardships.

When you’re exhausted, when you stop and wonder if things are okay as they are, this song gently gives you a push.

Released in November 2005, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It’s also included on the album Beyond the Sea and continues to be cherished as one of K’s signature works.

Its tender, enveloping vocals are sure to give you strength.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake’s music has the power to move listeners across generations.

This song, written as the theme for the drama “Eye Love You,” expresses feelings for someone far away.

With its refreshing groove and emotional lyrics, it drew major attention immediately upon its release in February 2024.

It’s also included on the album “Pieces,” where it has earned strong support from fans.

Overflowing with affection for someone dear, this track is recommended when you want to feel the bonds with a lover, family, or friends.

Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to warmly embrace your heart.

Gajumaru ~Heaven in the Rain~ReoNa

TV anime “Shangri-La Frontier” Cour 2 Non-Credit ED | ReoNa — “Gajumaru ~Heaven in the Rain~”

An emotionally moving work that depicts feelings for a precious person who has been lost.

Streaming began in January 2024, followed by a CD release in February of the same year.

It beautifully captures a poignant emotional state that can be interpreted as singing about bereavement.

It was also selected as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime Shangri-La Frontier.

ReoNa’s transparent vocals fully convey the protagonist of the lyrics, who strives to find hope even amid despair.

Centered on the themes of love and parting, this piece is recommended for anyone looking back on the past while trying to face forward.