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. Classic and popular Japanese tracks (111–120)
Love SongGO!GO!7188
When it comes to love ballads that capture the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, “Koi no Uta” comes to mind.
Released in 2000 by the three-piece band GO!GO!7188, it’s also known as one of their signature songs.
The rock sound delivered with a simple band setup leaves a strong impression.
Yumi Nakashima’s emotional vocals, perfectly matched with the refreshing yet heartrending melody line, are truly heart-melting.
Many listeners will relate to the turmoil of a love that just won’t come true.
It’s a straightforward love ballad that stays close to the loneliness and anxiety of heartbreak.
Its heavy, passionate rock will soothe your heart.
Tear-jerking love songs: Japanese classics and popular hits (121–130)
It’ll get stained.Chatmonchy
Among Chatmonchy’s songs from their three-piece era before drummer Kumiko Takahashi left, this one has a relaxed tempo, sparse instrumentation, and a very strong three-piece feel.
Chatmonchy’s love-themed songs all have great lyrics, but Somaru yo is the kind of track you secretly listen to with earbuds in the middle of the night—and even a non-smoker will feel like sneaking a cigarette.
J-POPHalf Life
It’s the ending theme of the TV Tokyo drama series “Moteki,” which aired in 2010.
It’s The Guitar Rock—while the tempo is laid-back, the song has a fairly intense tone.
The structure is very solid, and the lyrics are quite lyrical, making it an engaging listen from start to finish.
Letter Paper SongKuramubon
It’s a signature song by Clammbon.
It’s a wonderful piece.
The lyrics, in which “I” cherish and single-mindedly love “you,” describe an everyday life that isn’t special—things anyone might experience—precisely why I think it’s a classic beloved by many people across generations.
futureKobukuro
This is the song that was used as the main theme and ending theme for the film/anime “orange.” In the lyrics, the feelings flow from “me” to “you,” which I think mirrors Naho’s feelings for Kakeru.
Kobukuro has many wonderful love songs, and I believe “Mirai” is one of their masterpieces as well.