Classic emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs.
These days, people often play on the word “emotional” and say “emo-i” to describe when feelings are running high.
Listening to songs that put you in that emo mood can clear your mind, pump you up, and bring lots of other positive effects.
In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on that sense of “emo-ness” and have picked out some recommended tracks.
From hard-hitting tunes to mellow vibes and breezy numbers, we’ve selected songs from a variety of genres.
We hope you’ll find some “emo” songs that truly move your heart.
Emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
Judging by the title alone, this one’s guaranteed to be emotional.
It’s a track by the pop-rock band wacci, released in March 2019.
The song is sung as if speaking to an ex, saying, “I’ve become someone else’s girlfriend.” With lyrics that constantly compare the current girlfriend to the former one, it’s a song that makes you wonder what he still feels about the past—whether there are lingering regrets or unfinished business—and sends your thoughts down that path.
What is it? lolFuji Kaze
This song, “Nannan w,” which became a huge topic online including on social media, might make many people think from the title alone, “What even is this song?!” But please give it a listen.
I’m sure you’ll feel something completely different—180 degrees from the impression the title gives.
The lyrics, written in dialect, make you feel the eruption of a pent-up, heartrending emotion.
It’s a genre-transcending expression of feeling that will pierce straight into your heart.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Pretender” was a huge hit, wasn’t it? Its danceable beat and stylish guitar sound are so pleasant, and Satoshi Fujihara’s clear high-tone vocals have captivated many fans.
And the song’s greatest charm lies in its heartrending lyrics that depict straightforward love and the feelings of a man who steps back precisely because he cares about the other person.
The more you read these ultra-emotional lyrics, the more they pierce your heart.
EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION
Even the title is emo.
It’s a track with an impressive, grand sound by the wolf band MAN WITH A MISSION.
It was released in 2013 as their second single and drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the film “HK: Forbidden Super Hero.” I love the passionate lyrics about charging forward recklessly while holding close the things you learned from someone important.
Still, whether it’s the sound or the melody, you can feel a touch of melancholy too.
Its stirring sonic image really hits listeners right in the heart.
Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
It’s a danceable track that starts with a rolling piano phrase.
It’s a song by the music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, whose popularity took off through video-sharing sites, released in 2018.
ACA-ne’s vocals are powerful yet somehow fragile, and they really stir your emotions.
The way she sings the chorus, where you can feel the swell of emotion, is especially cool.
By the way, the popular Vocaloid producer Nuyuri participated as the arranger.
You can definitely feel that vibe, right?
Hoshigaoka ParkHump Back
Hump Back, the leading next-generation girls’ band from Osaka.
Their simple guitar riffs really hit you in the heart.
And the song’s biggest draw is the great melody in the chorus! A slightly husky voice sings a tune that somehow feels nostalgic.
It’s incredibly captivating, but I think it’s precisely the dynamics across the whole track that make this chorus stand out.
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
This is a song by Yorushika, a rock band led by the popular Vocaloid producer n-buna.
It was included on their 2018 mini-album “Makeinu ni Encore wa Iranai” (“No Encore for the Loser”).
The fragile vocals and lyrics—like a snapshot of late-summer nostalgia—leave a strong impression.
While the arrangement has a light, brisk feel, combined with the lyrical message it conveys an overflowing rush of emotion.
It’s a guitar rock track with a charm that resonates with both students and working adults.
white dayKing Gnu
If you watched the drama Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer, you’ll know this one.
It’s a signature track by the mixed-genre rock band King Gnu, released as a digital single in 2019.
The overwhelming musicality, colored by technical performances, is irresistible.
With its stylish vibe, it might not sound that way at first, but it’s actually very emotional.
The message—pressing on toward tomorrow even if you have to cast everything aside—really hits home.
The sweet vocals are wonderful, too.
Final Episode STORYMY FIRST STORY
You can feel the emotion just from the intro scream.
It’s a rock band with loud, fast-paced sound as their charm—MY FIRST STORY—and this track was released as their debut single in 2013.
The sound arrangement is incredibly cool, as if it directly expresses the members’ burning passion.
The lyrics describe a determination to keep moving forward until the goal is achieved.
Anyone striving now for what they want to become in the future will feel their spirits lift when they listen.
Teenager ForeverKing Gnu
As the title suggests, it’s a song about never forgetting the feelings of youth and continuing to live true to yourself.
It’s by King Gnu, the band also known for “Hakujitsu,” and is included on their 2020 album CEREMONY.
Its use in a Sony wireless headphones commercial became a hot topic.
The part I especially want you to hear is the final guitar solo—it elevates the mood that’s been building up to that point and makes it even better.
It’s a wonderful track you’ll want to listen to over and over again.