The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
The world of Japanese laments that sublimate sorrow and wistfulness into beautiful melodies.
From the desolate scenes woven by RC Succession led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, to the soul-stirring poetic realm of Agata Morio, and even the transparent feelings sung by the VOCALOID GUMI.
Timeless masterpieces that have continued to stay close to people’s hearts speak of heartbreak, loneliness, farewells…
They carry the cries of the soul felt in many moments of life.
Alongside vocals that quietly seep into the heart, they invite you into a deeply moving world.
- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A classic Japanese song that sings of sorrow
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- A Collection of Moving Shakuhachi Masterpieces | Beautiful Japanese Melodies That Stir the Heart
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Masterpieces with the theme of “tears.” A roundup of moving tracks that tug at the heartstrings.
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
The soul’s cry embedded in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (21–30)
Elegyfuki no tō
When 1970s folk shifted into the genre known as New Music, the duo at its center was Fuki-no-tō.
This song is the B-side of “Utsukushiku Moete,” released in 1977.
Their worldview, suffused with a sense of loneliness, earned strong support from devoted fans.
I’ll wait.amin
A female college-student duo from Nagoya (Takako Okamura and Haruko Kato) who won the Grand Prix at the 23rd Popcon in 1982 and debuted the same year.
They gained popularity with songs that resonated with young women, recording a remarkable total of 1.2 million sales.
After a temporary breakup, they have since reunited and are currently active.
Devilman is somewhere out there today, too.Juda Keizō
This is the ending theme of the anime Devilman, based on Go Nagai’s original work, which aired in 1972.
Children at the time felt a sense of melancholy seeing Devilman looking down over the town from atop a building construction site at sunset.
A work by the hit-making duo Yū Aku and Shunichi Tokura.
Ballad of Their FootstepsKamayatsu Hiroshi
The ending theme of the 1974 anime “First Human Giatrus.” Here we present the version sung by the composer himself, Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
In contrast to the gag-style anime, the lyrics have a generous, easygoing feel, with words penned by the original creator, Shunji Sonoyama.
Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei
Mirei Kitahara’s 1975 release “Ishikari Banka” was a major hit that marked a complete image change from her previous songs, which had a strong decadent vibe.
Since then, it has been covered and passed down by a wide range of artists, from Aki Yashiro to Akina Nakamori.
why,or why notŌshima Kei
It was Rekka Katakiri’s major-label debut song and was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Higurashi When They Cry.
With its clear, beautiful melody and lyrics written entirely in English, it can only be described as stunning.
If you like, please read this translation of the lyrics.
Then, with the feelings embedded there in your heart, listen to the song once more.
Elegy of the North WindKobayashi Akira, Kitakaze Aika
Akira Kobayashi is indispensable when talking about Showa-era kayōkyoku.
His trademark powerful “Akira-bushi” singing voice suited songs set against melancholy northern landscapes.
This ‘Elegy of the North Wind’ is included on the 1982 album Wandering: Chapter 12.