Tear-jerking love songs: classic and popular hits from Japanese music
There are times when you just feel like crying, right?
Among those moments, I’ve picked out some Japanese songs that sing about love.
I think they’ll bring a tear to your eye.
It’s also nice to share them with your special someone.
And if there are songs you don’t know, be sure to tell your classmates about them, too.
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Tear-jerking love songs: Classics and popular Japanese tracks (81–90)
AiokuriThe STROBOSCOPE
This is a song that was performed on stage by the in-film band The STROBOSCOPE in the movie The 100th Love With You, starring Kentaro Sakaguchi and miwa.
Kentaro Sakaguchi plays the guitar, even sings, and does harmonies as well.
If you call it loveUru
A gem-like ballad by Uru that gently sings of the resolve to “never lose again the precious things you only realize after they’re gone.” Rather than dwelling on the pessimism of loss, it puts forward a positive feeling—reaffirming what’s truly important through the experience of losing it.
Included on the album “Contrast,” released in February 2023, it drew wide attention as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “My Family.” Why not casually sing it to someone you love?
petalback number
A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.
The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.
While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.
This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.
Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.
Happy Endingback number
A touching song that sings of the aching feelings for a former lover.
The portrait of a woman who tries to act tough yet cannot sever her lingering attachment is striking.
It depicts the complex emotions of someone who, despite her words, still truly loves the other person.
Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s recommended as a chance to sort out your feelings if you’ve experienced parting from someone you love.
Let yourself be carried by back number’s gentle vocals and take a moment to face your own emotions.
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number
This is a poignant song about parting with someone dear.
Iyori Shimizu’s delicate vocals gently enfold the feelings for the one who was lost.
It carefully depicts the depth of their bond and the emptiness that follows their absence, making it a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song was also selected as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo music program, winning widespread empathy.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to remember someone important, or reaffirm your feelings for them.
Why not close your eyes and listen slowly?
Flower of loveaimyon
Hit-maker Aimyon crafted the theme song for the serial TV drama Ranman to feel like a springtime stroll.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it unfolds a magical world where feelings for a loved one blossom into flowers.
Released in April 2023, the song has become emblematic of Aimyon’s musical career.
With the line “Tears are for tomorrow,” her voice sings hope for flowers that will bloom someday, offering comfort to every listener.
It’s a track anyone can layer their own story onto—those hurt by love, those thinking of someone precious.
Surely, a flower of love will bloom in your heart, too.
Tear-jerking love songs. Japanese classics and popular tracks (91–100)
Goodchanmina
Rapper Chanmina, who commands three languages and has gained support from the younger generation with her impactful rap, is making waves.
“Good,” the opening track of her fourth album, Naked, features a relaxed beat and a breezy, light sound that feels great.
The lyrics, which capture her present-tense feelings toward a former lover, will likely resonate with many who’ve experienced that complexity.
It’s a sentimental, heart-wrenching number with a uniquely floating, atmospheric vibe.
