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

Rejected-Love GirlSayuri

Sanketsu Shoujo Sayuri “Furaregai Girl” MV (Short ver) – Song Provided & Produced by RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda

This is a renowned song by Sayuri, the “oxygen-deprived girl,” written and produced by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

Noda’s lyrics are compelling both to listen to and to read, but above all, Sayuri’s vocals are phenomenal.

Her voice has a distinctive quirk, yet it’s a track you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

It hurts.Kiyoshi Ryujin

Ryujin Kiyoshi – Itai yo

Ryuji Kiyoshi is active in many fields, such as producing idol groups, but among his songs, I think “Itai yo” is a wonderful ballad.

I believe every girl wants to be loved from the bottom of the heart by the boy she likes in this way.

Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

A gem of a rock ballad by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai that became a hit after gaining buzz on social media.

Its melody, vocals, and lyrics each carry a sensational power that speaks straight to the heart.

The song was included on the mini-album “An Opinion on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

It expresses an overwhelming longing for someone precious you can never meet again, and many listeners find themselves moved to tears even without having gone through a breakup.

Vocalist and lyricist Shusaku Yanagita reportedly cried many times during production.

Listen to it on a night when you can’t forget someone, and your tear ducts will surely be stirred.

AiHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Ai from 'A Night With Strings'

Sung by Motohiro Hata in a delicate, tear-evoking voice, this song is a moving number that portrays how emotions one couldn’t believe in before begin to gently take root in the heart after meeting someone irreplaceable.

The beautiful guitar arpeggios and clear vocals deliver that heartrending love straight to the listener’s heart.

Released in January 2010 as his ninth single, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart and was also used as the ending theme for a TV Miyazaki program.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to once again feel the presence of someone precious to you—be it a partner, family member, or any loved one.

Cry On Your SmileKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – CRY ON YOUR SMILE [Official Video Short ver.]

This is a renowned ballad that tenderly yet poignantly captures the feelings of seeing a loved one off as they set out toward their dreams.

Released in October 1987, it became a milestone as the artist’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

Built on an R&B foundation, its beautiful melody is paired with lyrics filled with such deep affection that you find yourself in tears even within the other person’s smile—listening makes your chest tighten.

The emotionally overflowing ad-libbed outro is breathtaking, conveying irrepressible feelings that bring tears to your eyes.

Chosen as the theme song for the Toho film “Kamitsukitai,” it’s also included on the best-of album “the BADDEST.” When you listen to it as you cheer on someone dear at the start of a new chapter, it feels like a gentle push on the back.

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

This is an immortal masterpiece included on the first album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986.

Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs.

It portrays a poignant relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other yet can never be together, rendered through a one-of-a-kind, soulful voice.

The more one wishes to forget, the stronger the feelings grow—the searing emotion tightens the listener’s chest.

On a night when your heart is troubled by an unrequited love, why not listen quietly on your own?

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.