Songs that Gen Z feel are 'emo'—tracks that stir their emotions.
Have you recently come across a song that felt “emoi” and truly moved you? Among Gen Z in particular, “emoi songs” are a major topic and are widely shared on social media.
Perhaps you’ve felt healed—or even moved to tears—by melodies that evoke nostalgia, bittersweetness, and an indescribable lingering afterglow.
In this piece, we’ll introduce a selection of highly popular tracks described as “emoi,” songs that deeply resonate with many listeners—especially Gen Z—and stir the emotions.
- Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era
- Bittersweet songs chosen by Gen Z. Music that resonates with the heart.
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Emotional Japanese songs popular on TikTok. Moving tracks that leave you at a loss for words.
- [Yutori Generation] Songs That Feel Emoi: Youthful Anthems That Stir Up Nostalgia
- A curated collection of emo songs and stylish Japanese tracks that hit you deep in the heart
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Instagram] Songs that create an emotional vibe for Reels.
- Classic emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs.
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Trendy stylish songs popular among Gen Z
Songs that Gen Z find 'emo'. Emotionally stirring tracks (11–20)
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
Hitsujibungaku captivates with their unique sound that blends inorganic coolness and warmth, along with poetic, delicate word choices.
Released in September 2023, this track was selected as the ending theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc, and has surpassed 100 million streams.
Incorporating a four-on-the-floor beat and programmed sounds for the first time, the piece is an ambitious work produced by Moeka Shiotsuka after a year of studying DTM (desktop music production).
The lyrics, which reflect on how to convey feelings that words alone can’t express and on how to navigate one’s own life, really resonate.
The transparent vocals meld into the expansive soundscape, making it a song you’ll want to savor on a quiet night.
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS
A song that captures the frustration of an ambiguous relationship and the ache of unrequited feelings.
The delicate emotions that sway with the other person’s attitude and the uncertain distance where neither can read the other’s heart are carefully woven with the distinctive word choices of Yojiro Noda.
Although it’s a track from the 2018 album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, the music video featuring Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio also created a big buzz.
In August 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the ABEMA show Who Is the Wolf?, once again resonating with many listeners.
Unfolding at a relaxed tempo, this piece is a gentle companion for nights troubled by love or quiet moments of contemplation.
unravelAdo
This track by Ado was released in November 2023 as part of her cover project album, “Ado no Utatte Mita Album.” The original song, crafted by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, is widely known as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Ghoul.
With arrangement by Naoki Itai, it has been transformed into a rock number with a vast emotional range, fusing dramatic vocal expressions that shift from whispers to shouts with layered guitar sounds.
Reconstructing the original’s worldview—centered on identity and inner conflict—through Ado’s signature dynamism, this rendition is sure to encourage anyone who wishes to break out of their shell.
We againSG
Singer-songwriter SG, a Japanese-Korean artist who gained popularity through TikTok and YouTube, released this song in April 2021.
Embraced as a “Reiwa-era graduation song,” it captured the hearts of younger listeners and surpassed 150 million streams.
The lyrics, which blend the loneliness of parting with the hope of reunion, resonate with people at life’s turning points, such as graduation or changing jobs.
In November 2024, a concert band arrangement was featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a collaborative production with the Blossoming Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble also drew attention.
Its simple “don-don-pa” rhythm makes it easy to sing and popular at school events.
It’s a perfect song for those facing farewells with someone important, as well as middle and high school students about to graduate.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.
Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.
evening primroseNovelbright
This ballad, which portrays a love you can’t forget even after a breakup, was released by Novelbright in December 2020.
It was selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment of Fuji TV’s information program “Tokudane!” in February, and the band also appeared live on the show.
The grand arrangement woven by piano and strings is layered with Yudai Takenaka’s emotional high-tone vocals, creating a world that is both heartrending and beautiful.
The lyrics, which reflect on memories spent in a city at dusk and feelings for someone you can no longer meet, will deeply resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
When you face parting with someone dear—carrying loneliness and regret yet trying to look forward—this song will gently stay by your side.
Songs that Gen Z finds 'emo': emotionally stirring tracks (21–30)
leap day personRADWIMPS
The theme song for the film “In This Corner of the Limited Time” (Yomei 10-nen), which sings of an irreplaceable love story woven within a finite span of time.
Created by RADWIMPS in March 2022, the piece was composed by Yojiro Noda after carefully reading the script and stepping into the characters’ perspectives.
The lyrics, which delicately depict the miracle of meeting someone so dear you’d wish to share your very life with them, as well as the pain of those left behind, are deeply moving.
Beginning with a piano melody and gradually expanding into a full orchestra, the arrangement superbly conveys the swell of emotion.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to savor the time with someone precious, or to feel the profound value of the person you love.