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

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.

The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.

The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.

Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.

For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.

Song of PartingNakajima Miyuki

Farewell Song

This is a song by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays a heartrending farewell where all you can do is watch the other person walk away.

The work depicts a protagonist who, while still holding onto lingering attachment and kindness for the other person, accepts an inescapable loneliness they can do nothing about.

The complex emotions born from years spent together are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the major turning point of divorce.

Released in September 1977, the song became Miyuki Nakajima’s first to top the Oricon charts.

It’s also known for being used as background music in the drama “Tokusou Saizensen.” You can also hear it on the album “Aishiteiru to Ittekure.” On nights when you feel crushed by an unbearable loneliness, don’t you think listening to this song might make you feel your feelings are being affirmed?

Then, why?Abe Mao

Then, why?

This is a poignant ballad by Mao Abe that sings of the helpless feeling when you realize you were the only one who was serious, after being led on by someone’s suggestive behavior.

The regret of having believed the words of a capricious, cat-like partner, and the pain that makes you want to demand, “Then why did you say that?” ride on her emotional vocals and pierce straight into your heart.

The song is included on the album “Su.” released in June 2011.

Remarkably, Abe wrote it during her high school years, and the pure, youthful cry of the heart resonates with raw intensity.

When you’re suffering from a lover’s ambiguous attitude and have nowhere to put your feelings, listening to this can feel as though it’s speaking for you.

Its gut-wrenching lyrics, paradoxically, will gently wrap your loneliness in warmth.

Like the beginningRen

[PLANJ] ORIGINAL: 'Like the Beginning' – REN

This is a solo ballad written by REN of the global boy group JO1.

Set for release in July 2025, it’s his fourth solo track.

With a delicate vocal delivery, it captures the unease toward kindness that’s become routine and the premonition of a relationship’s end.

You can clearly feel the protagonist’s poignant resolve in lines like, “This way will be better for both of us.” It’s a song that will sink deep into your heart when you’re struggling with a cherished relationship or quietly reflecting on a breakup at night.

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.