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

sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

A debut work by Yo Hitoto that delicately portrays people’s emotions in our lonely modern society.

Amid an information-saturated daily life, the protagonist searches for a place to belong, gently expressing the warmth of a heart that empathizes with others’ tears and stays by their side.

Its original sound weaves together elements of gospel, R&B, and oriental influences, beautifully harmonizing with her crystal-clear vocals.

Since its release in October 2002, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The following year, it won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song I sincerely want to share with those struggling with human connections or those who feel the urge to be there for someone.

Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Magic Carpet [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Kawasaki Takaya’s pure, affectionate vocals seem to speak for the feeling of being in love.

The lyrics, woven with straightforward words, convey a deep yet gentle devotion to a loved one.

Even without money or status, the song candidly expresses the desire to protect someone important.

Released in July 2018 as a track on the album “I believe in you,” it was later selected as the theme song for a LINE drama in December 2020, drawing even more attention.

Don’t miss the beautiful, repeating vibrato in the chorus and the warm tone of the acoustic guitar.

It’s a gem of a love song to listen to when you realize your feelings for someone special—or when you want to confess them.

Why feat. Emimi NodaTakase Tōya

Takuya Takase / Why feat. Emi Noda (Official Music Video)

A heartbreak ballad distinguished by a beautiful, soul-stirring melody.

Toya Takase’s emotional vocals and Emi Noda’s clear voice brilliantly capture the bittersweet feelings after a breakup.

Released digitally in January 2022 and included on the album “13-gatsu 1-nichi” (The First Day of the 13th Month), this song resonated with many listeners who relate to the joys of love and the pain of parting, drawing attention on charts across Asia.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels the loneliness that deepens at night or the emptiness of losing someone dear.

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.

In that casemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.

While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.

The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.

Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.

A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.

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.

An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “A Love Letter on Our 35th Year,” this gem of a ballad gently and warmly portrays a love that deepens with the passage of time.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, luminous vocals resonate as if tenderly enveloping feelings for a cherished person.

The track began streaming in February 2025, and a CD single was released in March ahead of the film’s premiere.

The movie depicts a husband who, upon retiring, struggles to write a love letter to his wife; accompanying the protagonist’s emotions, Hata carefully weaves his words like a letter.

It’s a song we recommend to anyone who, in the course of days shared with someone precious, has rediscovered the profound significance of their presence.