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

I’ve listened to so many heartbreak songs, and I’m done with always crying.NEW!riria.

riria. / Listening to lots of heartbreak songs, I'm always just crying already. [Audio Video]

Singer-songwriter Riria., known for a voice that tenderly embraces those facing aching love, captivates listeners here as well.

Released digitally in July 2022, this song was written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” An acoustic version is also included on the album “Kiseki,” released in January 2025.

From the heroine’s perspective, it portrays the resolve to look forward while retracing memories of a love that has ended.

Beginning with a quiet piano melody, the arrangement unfolds as if emotions are overflowing, striking straight to the heart.

Why not listen on nights when unforgettable memories bring unstoppable tears, or when you want to take a step forward from the sorrow of heartbreak?

beloved captiveNEW!Araki Kazuhito

Kazuhito Araki “Beloved Captive” Lyric Video [Short Ver.]

Singer-songwriter Kazuhito Araki, who has moved many listeners through social media and live performances.

This track was created as an answer song to “April Love Song,” released in April 2021, which drew significant attention.

Taking the perspective of a woman, it candidly expresses the anxieties and attachments of love, as well as the pain that comes from loving someone, in straightforward words.

It gently stays close to the unstable feelings that arise precisely because you care, making it recommended for those troubled by love or for nights when your feelings for someone overflow and you just want to cry.

Its unadorned, earnest vocals will resonate deep within your heart.

The Rain and Meback number

Ameto Bokuno Hanashi

A breakup song by back number, the band that has captivated many with their love songs.

It laments a love that has just ended, unbearably sad and beyond saving.

It’s a heartbreaking love song that captures the pain of sorrow, hardship, and blaming one’s own helplessness.

The track is included on their sixth album, MAGIC, released in March 2019.

Even as the years pass, the aching feelings for a former lover you can’t forget make your chest tighten.

If, like the song’s protagonist, there’s someone you can never forget, this is a must-listen recommendation.

me me sheRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – me me she [Official Music Video]

It’s a ballad that gently stays by your side in that hollowed-out feeling of loss, as if there’s a hole in your heart.

The song is included on RADWIMPS’ album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it can be called a hidden masterpiece that has been loved by many listeners for years.

In a way that overlaps with how the title “Memeshii” is read, it portrays with raw honesty the lingering feelings for a former lover mingled with one’s own ego.

The warm tone of the guitar and the conversational vocals really hit home, and each listen may bring a tightening ache to your chest.

On nights when there’s someone you simply can’t forget, or when you want to cry your heart out and look forward, why not give it a listen?

the absolute worstMarushii

Marcy – The Worst of the Worst (Official Music Video)

What words would you cry out when you realize that the heart of the lover you were laughing with until yesterday is no longer turned toward you? Released digitally in March 2022, this song by Marcy captures the complicated mix of anger and lingering attachment toward a fickle partner, set against a fast-paced rock sound.

It was also included on their first album, “Memory,” released in June 2022, and the music video featuring Naenano drew attention.

While venting the frustration of betrayal, the protagonist suffers from being unable to completely hate the other person—perfectly voicing the feelings of someone fresh off a heartbreak.

It’s a song that can support your heart when you’ve gone through a breakup so painful that just remembering it makes your chest tighten.

nape (of the neck)aiko

aiko - “Eriashi” music video

A winter ballad whose aching vocals by aiko strike straight to the heart.

It portrays feelings that can’t be severed for a former lover and a love that doesn’t fade, even after years have passed.

Many who hope to rekindle a romance will likely be moved to tears by the strong wish to someday meet again—if only the other person is still out there somewhere.

Released as a single in November 2003, the song is also included on the acclaimed album “Akatsuki no Love Letter.” There’s even a story that aiko herself shed tears during the mixing process.

If you listen to it when you’ve been separated yet can’t let go, it will surely affirm your pure feelings and give you the courage to face forward once more.

Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

This is a signature song by the male duo Sasuke, who disbanded once in 2009 and reunited in 2014.

It was covered by Tegomass in 2011.

As a classic breakup song, its lyrics—regretting not having expressed one’s feelings properly—are something adults can relate to.

It’s a love song whose sweet vocals and harmonica in the intro linger in your ears.