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

heartaimyon

Aimyon – Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A poignant ballad that carefully portrays the complex emotions of love.

Released in 2021, this song was written by Aimyon as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married.” During production, she rewrote the lyrics from scratch for the first time, focusing on expressing feelings that are “not too cute, yet not too clumsy.” Inspired by the heart’s shape—round on top and pointed at the bottom—the song explores a relationship where affection and pain coexist.

It resonates deeply with those struggling with marriage or romance.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.

somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

Heart Rainindigo la End

Indigo la End “Koiame”

A heart-stirring ballad that quietly observes a bittersweet parting in love.

Its melody delicately captures subtle emotions, while the graceful sound of acoustic guitar and electric piano resonates deep within.

Released by indigo la End in February 2016, the song was featured as the TV commercial theme for the smartphone game ‘Shoumetsu Toshi’ and is also included on their second major-label album, ‘Aiiro Music.’ Told from the perspective of a woman reflecting on the end of a relationship, the lyrics leave a strong impression as they carefully express emotional shifts through the metaphor of rain.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to quietly accept the pain of heartbreak and move forward.

MIOaimyon

MIO

This song gently and simply portrays the delicate nuances of emotions in love.

It quietly sings of a woman’s feelings as she earnestly seeks true love, even as she grapples with everyday anxieties, loneliness, and confusion over subtle changes in her partner.

Written by Aimyon when she was 15, the piece captures the pure sensibilities of adolescence and beautifully expresses the universal joys and heartaches of love.

Included as the B-side to the single “Ai wo Tsutaetai da toka,” released in May 2017, it features a simple arrangement centered on guitar and vocals.

Its calm, supportive melody closely follows the wavering heart of a woman in love, making it a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone wrestling with matters of the heart.

Goodbyeofukōsu

Sayonara

This is a pure love ballad that poignantly portrays the end of a romance, released as an Off Course single in December 1979.

With Kazumasa Oda’s warm yet translucent vocals and a heart-stirring melody, the song richly conveys the sorrow of parting.

Its gentle, relatable lyrics—about a first heartbreak or a bittersweet farewell to someone dear—have made it a beloved classic that quietly resonates with listeners.

It was also featured as an insert song in the first season of the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and later included on the album “SELECTION 1978-81.” As a song that stands by you through the poignant end of love that comes with winter’s chill, it’s especially recommended for those facing a farewell with someone important.