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

ArikaMarushii

Marcy – Arika (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Marcy that portrays the painful ache of a heartbreaking breakup.

Looking back on days gone by, the protagonist reaches out for a time that will never return—something anyone can relate to.

Memories of an amusement park and a lover’s sleeping face, those moments of happiness, are scattered throughout the lyrics.

But now, they will never meet again.

The anguish of confronting that harsh reality seeps through.

The powerful line, “If it’s not you, I don’t want anything,” is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.

Released digitally in January 2023, the music video was filmed in Hokkaido and features actress Nagi Hasegawa’s poignant expressions.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights when you want to immerse yourself in memories of a lover.

the depths of the heartrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “In the Depths of the Heart” / Rokudenashi – Deep Down [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.

It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.

While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.

waiting in vainrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.

That girl’s aikojūsho futei mushoku

Homeless and unemployed: “That Girl’s aiko”

Amid Address Unknown Jobless’s many pop and upbeat songs, this standout is a remarkable ballad.

On this track, Yoko, who plays guitar and bass, takes the lead vocals.

Though you can’t really call her a good singer, her awkward singing gently seeps into your heart.

remainingYoshizawa Kayoko

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO

A song by Kayoko Yoshizawa that delicately portrays the poignancy of love.

It expresses the protagonist’s feelings as they linger in the afterglow of a past romance, depicted alongside the scene of returning home at dawn.

Released in November 2018, it was recorded in response to strong demand from fans.

Yoshizawa reflects her own experiences and emotions in the piece, approaching production with the youthful stance of “only doing what I love.” The music video features actress Serena Motola, who plays a girl coming home in the morning.

It’s a track that comforts those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are trying to move on from a loved one.

Recommended for moments when you want to quietly revisit the feelings that remain in a corner of your heart.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A melody that gently embraces a bittersweet farewell and unforgettable memories.

The lingering sweetness of young love woven by a 16-year-old Hikaru Utada seeps into the listener’s heart.

While accepting a past romance as a cherished memory, it also conveys a forward-looking strength to take a new step.

Included on the album “First Love,” released in March 1999, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Joken,” which began airing in April of the same year.

Set against a warm arrangement of piano and strings, even the breaths in the vocal performance resonate as part of the story.

This gem of a song offers solace when parting with someone dear or when you wish to bring closure to a past relationship.

Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – Gentle Rain (Official Video)

The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.

Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.

Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.