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

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.

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.

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

I think “366 Days” is one of HY’s three major tear-jerker ballads, alongside “Song for…” and “NAO.” It was the theme song for the drama and film adaptations of Red Thread in 2008, and it’s a classic breakup song that many people sing at karaoke.

25th ChromosomeRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The 25th Chromosome [Official Music Video]

Speaking of RADWIMPS, many people strongly associate them with their huge hit “Zenzenzense,” the theme song of Your Name.

However, their debut song “Nijūgokome no Senshokutai” (The 25th Chromosome) features a development that feels more quintessentially RADWIMPS, and its lyrics—pleasantly unsettling in a good way, with a stalker-like vibe—are excellent.

It’s a perfect entry point for those who discovered RADWIMPS through “Zenzenzense.”

Smile and say goodbyeFujifaburikku

Fujifabric / Laugh and Say Goodbye

Speaking of Fujifabric during Masahiko Shimura’s era, songs like “Akane-iro no Yūhi,” “Aki Kiiro no Kinmokusei,” and “Wakamono no Subete” are often cited as masterpieces, but in contrast, “Waratte Sayonara” can be considered a hidden gem.

It’s a song about brooding over one’s own failings toward an ex-lover, sinking into regret and sorrow.

If you listen to it right after a breakup, you’ll definitely cry.

MapleCYCLE

Spitz / Kaede

Although the lyrics aren’t written in particularly straightforward language, I think it’s a timeless masterpiece that never loses its luster, as evidenced by how many artists have covered it over the years.

The version of Kaede that Motohiro Hata and Superfly collaborated on is wonderful too, but the original remains a song where Masamune Kusano’s gentle voice truly resonates.