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

FruitsRin Oto

Fruits

Rapper Rin-ne, who’s garnered attention for his everyday-life-inspired lyrics and rap skills strong enough to win multiple MC battles, teams up with asmi—often called “the most-used voice on social media”—on Fruits, the theme song for the Netflix series Let’s Get Divorced.

Even when you’ve decided to break up, you can’t help but still care; if you’ve ever been in love, that feeling might overlap with your own experience.

It’s a sentimental pop tune with a laid-back track and a poignant melody that really resonates.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Little LoversSUPER★DRAGON

Little Lovers

SUPER★DRAGON delivers the theme song for the heartwarming, kindness-filled TV anime “The Lord and His Dog.” This medium-tempo pop-rock track features a flowing, soothing melody that leaves a lasting impression.

It tenderly weaves feelings for a beloved companion and hopes for the future, beautifully portraying two beings moving forward while supporting each other amid changing times and cityscapes.

The song has been used as the theme for the TV anime “The Lord and His Dog” since October 2024 and is fully produced by Sohei Mishima of cinema staff.

It’s a perfect track not only for dog lovers, but also for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone dear, or when your heart feels a little tired.

LetterSHE’S

SHE’S – Letter【MV】

A gem of a song that renders delicate emotions, woven with melodies and words that sink into the heart.

Released by SHE’S in July 2020, this track is written around the theme of a letter to oneself and depicts the movements of the heart within human relationships.

The piano and band sound blend beautifully, gripping the listener.

The song is included on the album Tragicomedy and also appears on the Tricolor EP.

Its music video, starring Eiji Akaso and Mayuu Yokota, also drew attention.

This is a track for anyone worn out by daily life and on the verge of losing themselves.

It’s sure to resonate with your heart.

Kasane AiSoala

Soala – Kasaneai [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Soala that paints the ache of lost love in beautifully poignant words.

Wrapped in a clear, gentle voice, it tenderly holds the regret for a love that might have lasted if only they had met differently, and the feelings that will never again converge.

Released in January 2025 and included on the EP “Bluem,” the song also drew attention for its music video featuring model Suzuka Orita and actor Yusei Ito.

With a melody that sinks into the heart, it portrays memories of happy days and the fragile story of a love that ends in parting.

When you’re struggling in a relationship or want to sing while thinking of someone dear, this song is sure to speak for your feelings.

existenceTENSONG

TENSONG 'Existence' [Official Music Video]

This is a heart-stirring song by TENSONG that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Released in December 2020, the track was created by guitarist Takuman based on his real-life experience, carefully depicting the emotions of being trapped in memories while trying to take a new step forward.

Vocalist Takabo’s high-tone voice expresses those feelings beautifully, and the deeply resonant melody line leaves a strong impression.

The music video is an animated piece created by an illustrator who was their classmate and reached 1.8 million views in eight months.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who’ve experienced parting with someone important; we recommend listening to it alone on a quiet night.

MyraTani Yuuki

Myra – Tani Yuuki (full ver.)

A gem of a love song that begins with the blissful everyday moments of two people waking up together and gradually portrays, with deep emotion, the process of their love falling apart.

It was the first track Tani Yuuki created with DTM after starting his music career, delicately weaving complex feelings for a lover while skillfully rhyming.

Its memorable melody and heartrending lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone facing a breakup.

Released as his debut single in July 2020, it was later included on his 2021 album “Memories.” The song was also featured in a TikTok commercial, capturing the hearts of many.

Highly recommended for those who want to share the thrill of love and the pain of heartache.

Welcome back.Tani Yuuki

Welcome Back – Tani Yuuki [MV]

A gem of a song filled with Tani Yuuki’s heartfelt emotions, gently singing of feelings for a loved one far away.

Even when separated by distance, two people bound by a red thread of fate will surely remain connected—such a wish imbues these story-rich lyrics.

It expresses a bittersweet love for a counterpart, like the sun and the moon, through delicate vocals and melody.

Released in November 2022 and included on the album “Memories,” this piece gently accompanies those experiencing parting from someone dear or yearning for a reunion.