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

rendezvousshaitoopu

rendezvous

The rock band Shytone, which rose to prominence after a viral hit on social media, released a signature track in April 2023 that sings of a man’s searing emotions after a breakup.

Unable to accept parting from someone he loved deeply, he longs for an impossible reunion; the loneliness of his lover’s traces fading from everyday life is expressed through vocalist So Sasaki’s superb word choices—so moving you might be brought to tears.

The song is also known for surpassing 100 million total streams in November 2023 and is included on the album “Hors d’œuvre.” Why not entrust your heart to its somehow comforting melody that stirs up those bittersweet feelings?

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

This song was chosen as the theme for the ABEMA romance reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” It’s a work by Lila Ikuta, who is also active as the vocalist of the music duo YOASOBI, and it was released in April 2025.

The piece is a love song that portrays a delicate emotional landscape: though timid about love, the narrator is touched by the other person’s earnest feelings and tries to take a step forward.

The fresh sound, like a herald of spring, layered with Lila Ikuta’s clear, transparent vocals, tightens your chest as you listen.

This marks the third time she has provided the theme song for the series.

It’s a masterpiece filled with warmth that gently gives you a push when you’re troubled by love or can’t quite take that next step.

for a whilerikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – For a While (Official Music Video)

A ballad that gently nestles up to memories of lost love.

The music unit Divorce Densetsu released it in January 2025.

While lamenting a past that can never return, the song portrays the aching sway of trying to forget someone dear.

Vocalist Matsuda’s sweet, mellow voice rides atop a nostalgic sound reminiscent of ’80s New Music, soaking into the heart.

A healing track that wraps you in sentimental emotion.

to hurt; to wound; to damageCreepHyp

Acoustic Self-Accompanied Performance: Hurting / CreepHyp (Acoustic Cover)

It’s the B-side to “Yuu, Sansan,” but it’s such a masterpiece that it feels almost wasted as a B-side.

The song was written by Sekai Kan Ozaki specifically for Daigo Matsui’s stage production “Riolium,” and I’m sure there are many people who can relate to these pitiful lyrics.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

I think it’s fair to say this is a classic song for weddings.

While Superfly is often associated with upbeat, intense tracks, “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” is a magnificent, grand love song featuring a powerful vocal performance and warm, message-rich lyrics.

so-called loveplenty

plenty “ai to iu”

This song was released in a new format called a sound film track.

It has a divine atmosphere from the intro, and it’s moving even just to hear the song on its own, but paired with the visuals it’s even more stirring.

It’s one of plenty’s signature tracks, and it really showcases vocalist Fumiya Enuma’s wonderful voice.

Cats and Allergieskinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Cats and Allergies

It’s the title track from their major-label first album, Cat and Allergy.

Up until then, Kinoko Teikoku had many songs with a pretty downer, dark image, but this album overall has a lot of easy-to-listen-to tracks, and among them, Cat and Allergy has a pop, gentle vibe.