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
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- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
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- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
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- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
The soul’s outcry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime masterpieces that resonate with the heart (31–40)
The Watchmaker Who Didn’t ReturnWakochi Etsurō
Aired in 1978 on Hirake! Ponkikki.
The lyrics tell a sad story that feels more like a science fiction movie than a fairy tale.
Incidentally, Etsuro Wakokunai also sang “Yatsura no Ashioto no Ballad” (the ending theme of Hajime Ningen Gyatoruz) under the name Chino Hajime.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Released in July 1986, this is a classic enka song themed around the passionate emotions of a sorrowful woman.
Not only older people but even many young people now know its chorus.
No wonder—it has been performed a total of nine times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen by 2015.
Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux
A masterpiece created by a wartime military band modeled after Western-style marches.
Woven by the French composer Charles Leroux beginning in 1877, the work features a bold structure that incorporates the latest style of the time—a 2/4 meter with modulations—and a powerful melody that boosts soldiers’ morale.
By 1886 it had earned such high acclaim that it was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, and in 1912 it took on its present form, becoming a beloved classic widely performed by military bands across the country.
The prayer for soldiers and the spirit of requiem sung over its valiant march remain deeply etched in the hearts of generations who experienced war.
It is a piece to listen to alongside those who remember that era, with prayers for peace in our hearts.
Hill of the Flower GuardianFictionJunction
This is a song about the sorrow of parting, performed by a four-member vocal group produced by composer Yuki Kajiura.
The synergy of the beautiful composition and the beautiful vocals creates a sound of boundless beauty.
It evokes empathy for both the strength and fragility of falling in love.
PrologueUru
This song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Junior High School Teacher’s Diary).
It’s a song about a heart-wrenching unrequited love.
The feelings you experience in the midst of painful, distressing one-sided love are scattered throughout the piece.
Uru’s gentle voice, free of any harshness, feels as if it lends you a shoulder to lean on.
Why not borrow that shoulder and have a good cry?
The soul’s cry embodied in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (41–50)
Ending themeamazarashi
An exquisite masterpiece ballad by the rock band amazarashi.
The lyrics read like a will—a final message—from a man facing death.
As he looks back on what has happened, he shares so much about what truly matters in life and his own understanding of the essence of happiness; you can’t help but be deeply moved.
The music video, crafted with a distinctive worldview to match the song’s concept, is also incredibly powerful and draws you in more and more as you watch.
By the time you realize it, this is a song that will likely have you in tears.
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number
This is a poignant song about parting with someone dear.
Iyori Shimizu’s delicate vocals gently enfold the feelings for the one who was lost.
It carefully depicts the depth of their bond and the emptiness that follows their absence, making it a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song was also selected as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo music program, winning widespread empathy.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to remember someone important, or reaffirm your feelings for them.
Why not close your eyes and listen slowly?