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

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

A gem-like ballad woven from winter’s chill and gentle warmth.

Rather than viewing past love as a failure, it tenderly celebrates those moments of affection, wrapped in the distinctive warmth of Keisuke Kuwata’s vocals.

With imagery like snow quietly piling up and a calm atmosphere shaped by strings and winds, this single was released in October 2001.

Familiar from Coca-Cola commercials and, more recently, UNIQLO’s HEATTECH ads, the song also won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who has gone through a farewell with someone dear and wants to cherish the memories.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This is a heartwarming ballad that gently embraces deep love and gratitude for someone precious.

Even as everyday life changes in the blink of an eye and we feel on the verge of losing sight of what truly matters, the presence of a loved one reminds us of life’s meaning and joy.

The song portrays the beauty of unconditional love and mutual support, conveyed through a voice that resonates with the heart.

Released in February 2009 as JUJU’s ninth single, it became her first to enter the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and was also featured in a collaborative commercial by MTV Japan and Nissan.

Included on the album “What’s Love?”, it has garnered wide support, including numerous cover versions by various artists.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your feelings for someone special overflow or when you want to express your gratitude.

Let the warm vocals fill your heart with kindness.

sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

A debut work by Yo Hitoto that delicately portrays people’s emotions in our lonely modern society.

Amid an information-saturated daily life, the protagonist searches for a place to belong, gently expressing the warmth of a heart that empathizes with others’ tears and stays by their side.

Its original sound weaves together elements of gospel, R&B, and oriental influences, beautifully harmonizing with her crystal-clear vocals.

Since its release in October 2002, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The following year, it won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song I sincerely want to share with those struggling with human connections or those who feel the urge to be there for someone.

Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)sadamasashi

Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)

A musical prayer that gently enfolds the pain of losing a loved one in a tender, wistful melody.

The poignant story Masashi Sada weaves—set around a traditional festival in Nagasaki—delicately captures the feelings of those left behind.

Through cherished promises made in life, keepsakes crafted together, and the changing shape of family, a profound love and loneliness well up in the heart.

Released by Grape in April 1974, the song gradually spread, especially in the Chukyo region, climbing to No.

2 on the Oricon chart and selling 1.3 million copies.

It shone once again in 2003 as the theme song for an NHK drama.

A gem of a ballad that quietly stays close to anyone who has said goodbye to someone important.

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

A gem of a ballad that weaves a fleeting yet beautiful farewell scene with a clear, transparent melody.

Released by Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur,” this song tenderly sings of longing for what has been lost.

It portrays the heartache that gradually softens over time and the strength to keep looking forward, carried by a warm, gentle performance.

Beginning with its use in the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Over Time” and continuing through to the network’s 2022 series “silent,” it has colored many stories.

It’s a song to listen to when your heart is deeply wounded or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.

Masamune Kusano’s tender, comforting vocals are sure to become a source of support for your heart.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.

The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.

Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.

The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.

The Last LieBENI

Saigonouso

An emotionally moving ballad where bittersweet feelings are conveyed through a clear, translucent singing voice.

Released in January 2012, this song by BENI delicately portrays the emotions of someone accepting a breakup while wishing for just one gentle lie at the very end.

Its beautiful melody, centered on piano and strings, further highlights the lingering attachment to a loved one and the pain of parting.

The lyrics were written by BENI herself, with composition by Yoko Kuzuya.

Included on the album “Fortune,” it is cherished by many as a ballad that feels close to the heart.

Resonating with those who have experienced the pain of losing someone irreplaceable, this song helps soothe the wounds of heartbreak.