Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
We’re introducing some emo songs from the Heisei era that feel a bit nostalgic and hit you right in the feels!
The word “emo” has gone beyond the realm of music and come to be used for expressing all kinds of emotions.
Since its boom around 2018—right before the Reiwa era—some people might associate emo songs with the chill vibe of that time.
Here, we’ve picked out tracks released during the Heisei era that carry that emo feel.
We’re featuring songs that saw a revival through social media, tunes that bring back youthful memories, and tracks that wrap you in a sentimental mood.
Be sure to find the songs that match your own sense of “emo.”
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Emo Songs of the Heisei Era: Nostalgic Tracks That Hit You in the Feels (31–40)
If you are with meKahara Tomomi
This is a moving ballad released in September 2004, marking Tomomi Kahala’s 30th birthday and her step into a new stage.
Its pure and powerful message—that the world shines simply because someone precious is by your side—deeply resonates.
The piece is a Japanese cover of a song by the Korean band Weather Forecast.
A magnificent piano-based arrangement melds with her rich, expressive vocals to gently envelop the listener.
This beloved song, which won the Gold Prize at the 46th Japan Record Awards, is also included on the commemorative album “NAKED.” It’s the perfect track for expressing gratitude to someone special or for quietly filling your heart on a solitary night.
Baby, I love youTEE
Woven with straightforward words of love, this piece is a love ballad carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar.
The feelings a clumsy man wants to convey to someone precious reach the heart alongside a smoky, soothing vocal.
Reconstructed in a major-label style from its indie-era version, it was released in October 2010 as the second single.
Chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and as a theme song for a Yomiuri TV program, it has become a long-loved track, covered by many artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to honestly express your feelings to a partner, choose a wedding BGM, or savor time with someone important.
Heroineback number
A signature ballad by back number that beautifully captures the crisp winter air and the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.
Even while knowing they can’t be the main character in the other person’s story, the narrator’s pure wish to stay by their side evokes a moving, heart-tightening feeling—even for those without similar experiences.
Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song opens with a striking organ tone, followed by Iyori Shimizu’s warm yet heartrending vocals that gently seep into the soul.
Released in January 2015 as their 11th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign featuring Suzu Hirose.
It’s the perfect track to revisit the bittersweet taste of an unattainable love or to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.
March 9Remioromen
Known as a classic graduation song that has continued to accompany the youth of the yutori generation, this piece originally began as a wedding song, inspired by the fact that a member’s friend was getting married on the same date.
Its warm lyrics matched perfectly with the graduation season, turning it into a song that has colored the new beginnings of many students.
The lyrics, filled with gratitude for someone dear and a desire to keep supporting each other, resonate with the emotions felt before parting with friends and companions.
Released in 2004 and used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it left an even deeper impression on many people.
Highly recommended for those approaching graduation or anyone who wants to reminisce about their school days.
budKobukuro
It’s a masterpiece overflowing with feelings for a beloved person you can no longer meet.
Written by Kentaro Kobuchi of Kobukuro in memory of his mother, whom he lost in his teens, the song was specially composed in 2007 as the theme for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” It begins with gentle acoustic guitar and then swells into a dramatic development in the chorus that truly moves the heart.
The lyrics portray hope for a future that will bloom like a bud not yet in full flower, along with the belief that the person you can no longer see is still watching over and cheering you on from somewhere.
When you recall the kindness of someone dear who is now far away, you may find tears spilling out before you know it.
Emotive songs from the Heisei era: nostalgic, heart-tugging tracks (41–50)
Chronostasiskinoko teikoku
A song that depicts a comfortable moment with someone by your side as you stroll leisurely through a quiet city night.
Featured on the 2014 album “Fake World Wonderland,” this piece uses the visual phenomenon where a clock’s hands appear to stop as a motif to express the fleeting beauty of time spent with a lover.
Its unhurried rhythm matches the very pace of wandering down a nighttime street that’s so enjoyable you don’t want to go home.
It was also used in the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” poignantly coloring the story’s bittersweet scenes.
It’s a number you’ll find yourself wanting to hear when you feel a tender affection for those ordinary moments with someone special.
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi
As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.
Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.
Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.
Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.