Why does it make us cry so much? The true strength that “moving-to-Tokyo songs” teach us

Cotton HandkerchiefNEW!Ōta Hiromi

Hiromi Ohta “Cotton Handkerchief” Music Video (Animation by Ai Nina)

This is a classic Showa-era work that poignantly depicts the heartache of a long-distance relationship through a dialogue format.

It vividly portrays the disconnect between a man who moves to Tokyo and gradually becomes absorbed in the city’s glamorous life, and a woman back home who continues to wait with unwavering love.

The woman’s wish to value a pure, sincere heart over material wealth truly resonates with listeners.

Released as a single in December 1975, it was originally included on the album “The Day My Heart Caught a Cold.” Thanks to this major hit, Hiromi Ohta made her first appearance on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen in December 1976.

It’s a song that gently accompanies those starting a new life with uncertainty about a new environment, or when you find yourself thinking of someone dear who is far away.

The bright musical style crafted by Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi softly wraps the loneliness in warmth.

The Correct CityNEW!Shiina Ringo

Tadashii Machi -Correct City-

A masterpiece where longing for one’s hometown intersects with the resolve to head somewhere new.

It opened singer-songwriter Sheena Ringo’s first album, “Muzai Moratorium,” released in 1999.

The lyrics, sprinkled with place names from Fukuoka, intricately weave together affection, discomfort, and emotions left behind.

The tidy band arrangement crafted by Seiji Kameda further amplifies the raw force of her words and melodies.

When your heart feels like it might break amid unfamiliar sights after moving to Tokyo, this song will gently nudge you forward.

Don’t just bask in nostalgia—give it a listen on a night when you want to reexamine your own choices.

Far, far awayNEW!Makihara Noriyuki

Toku Toku (2012 Remaster)

Do you know a warm, classic song that gently stays by the side of those starting new days at school or work? It’s a piece filled with the wish to show loved ones back home how hard you’re trying in your new city.

This song gently gives a push to people holding on far from home.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” and released in June 1992, it has been cherished for years—featured in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial and used on the TV program “Marumaru Chibi Maruko-chan” aired in July 2007.

It’s a song I especially want those who feel a sudden pang of loneliness after moving to Tokyo to hear.

It will give you that little extra strength to keep going!

To tomorrowNEW!Little Glee Monster

"To Tomorrow" – Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster captivates audiences with powerful vocals and beautiful harmonies.

Their ninth single, “Ashita e,” released in 2017, is a deeply personal work in which the members took part in lyric writing for the first time.

Its down-to-earth message—filled with a strong resolve to move toward the future despite anxieties and doubts about new horizons—truly stirs the heart.

Later included on the album “juice,” the single also features the coupling track “COLORS,” which was selected as the theme song for a fashion brand’s event.

It’s a song brimming with empowering energy that gently pushes you forward when you leave your hometown and dive into a new environment, just when you feel like your loneliness might overwhelm you.

Engo TowerNEW!MOROHA

MOROHA “Enkyo Tower” Official Music Video

MOROHA, known for their unique style where a single acoustic guitar collides with raw, unvarnished words.

Released as a digital single in January 2018 and later included on the album MOROHA IV, this song, “Engyo Tower,” was chosen as the theme song for the film Ice Cream and the Sound of Rain.

Its raw emotions—caught between the survival game of city life and complicated feelings toward one’s hometown—pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.

For those who have sacrificed something to chase a dream or who are struggling between ideals and reality, it will resonate to the point of pain.

It’s a moving number that gently yet powerfully affirms the subtleties of a life that can’t be measured by winning or losing—one you’ll want to hear when you need to face forward.

TokyoNEW!kinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Tokyo (MV)

Released as a single in September 2014, this song opens the subsequent album Fake World Wonderland.

While retaining the shoegaze atmosphere characteristic of the band Kinoko Teikoku, it stands out for the clarity of its melodies.

Rather than depicting a megacity in a consumptive way, its appeal lies in focusing on tangible emotions—intimate scenes and encounters with someone.

It’s filled with urgent yet universal feelings, like waiting for someone in a new city and moving through the seasons.

A masterpiece I especially recommend to those who’ve moved to Tokyo and feel lonely, or to anyone hoping to find meaningful connections in a new environment.

TokyoNEW!Ketsumeishi

Tokyo

When you’re tired of city life, this is a warm song that gently stays close to your heart.

This work is included in Ketsumeishi’s smash-hit album Ketsuno Police 4, released in June 2005.

Blending hip-hop and pop beautifully, it’s a masterpiece that uses down-to-earth words to express the loneliness and impatience of everyday life, as well as the strength to look forward.

It vividly portrays emotions swaying in the shadows of a glittering city, and is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who set off for new horizons with a dream.

On nights when you feel like complaining in an unfamiliar environment, or when you feel lonely remembering friends back home, please give it a listen.

It’s a recommended number that will give you the strength to start walking again.