Hidden gems among tear-jerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.

single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

This is a gem of a ballad that strikingly portrays the poignant feelings of a heartbroken man.

Sharam Q released the song in October 1994. It was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV anime “D·N·A²: A Girl Who Arrived?” and went on to become a million-selling hit.

It is included on the album “Rettōkan” (Inferiority Complex) and was later featured as an insert song in the 2017 film “Memoirs of a Murderer.” Furniture steeped in memories of a former lover is depicted as a symbol that highlights the protagonist’s loneliness, powerfully expressing a shift in values toward love.

This moving masterpiece is perfect for a calm night drive or for quiet moments when you think of someone dear.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.

The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.

Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.

16 on the Oricon chart.

It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.

A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.

On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.

Hide-and-seekYuuri

Yuuri “Kakurenbo” Official Music Video

Yuri’s debut work, which likens a heartrending unrequited love to a game of hide-and-seek, is a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays loneliness and the pain of parting.

In a room left behind after his live-in girlfriend has gone, the man’s feelings—surrounded by objects that still evoke her presence—are woven together by a gentle, translucent voice.

Released in December 2019, the piece is a labor of love born from street performances following the breakup of the rock band THE BUGZY.

The warm timbre of the acoustic guitar closely follows the man’s earnest emotions.

It’s a song recommended for those who wish to soothe the pain of heartbreak—perfect for a nighttime drive or for quietly sipping a drink alone at home.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Subtitle [Official Video]

This song is marked by a poignant melody that evokes the chill of winter.

Created by Official HIGE DANDism in October 2022 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “silent,” it closely aligns with the drama’s worldview.

While empathizing with the feelings of someone who has lost their words, it delicately paints unspoken emotions and warmth through subtle tones.

The work portrays the protagonist—who has lost their hearing—trying to convey their feelings to a loved one, expressed through the fragile, crystal-like beauty of snowflakes.

Its quiet, beautiful melody leaves a deep impression on listeners’ hearts, offering comfort to those facing farewells with loved ones or carrying feelings that cannot be put into words.

To new loversback number

back number – To the New Lovers

This song delicately portrays bittersweet emotions buried deep in the heart.

Released in 2024 by back number, it was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Umi no Hajimari” (The Beginning of the Sea).

Set to a melody that resonates, it expresses the weakness of a self that can’t quite grow up, a yearning for the innocent faces of children, and hopes for the next generation.

With lyrics that contrast light and shadow and a clear, translucent vocal, the piece achieves beautiful harmony and offers comfort to anyone carrying unspoken, aching feelings for someone.

It’s a recommended track for those who wish to feel the sense of loss and regret that comes with living, as well as hope for the future.

brilliant; radiant; dazzlingMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura / Sansan - Music Video - (Theme song for the serialized TV drama “Chimudondon”)

Woven with a melody envisioned as a letter to someone who has passed away, this heartwarming piece resonates deeply with listeners.

Daichi Miura’s delicate vocals and beautiful voice gently enfold feelings for a loved one in this tender ballad.

Released in June 2022, the song served as the theme for the NHK morning drama Chimudondon and won the Best Drama Song at the 113th The Television Drama Academy Awards.

Filled with profound love and gratitude for a grandmother, it radiates a gentle, comforting warmth.

When your heart is stirred by thoughts of someone dear or gratitude for family, listening to this song will bring healing.