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.
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Emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī
A song by the girls’ rock band Regal Lily, where the melancholic vocals over a simple three-piece band ensemble are so intensely emo.
The vocalist’s tone alone, which seems to accelerate the drama, evokes loneliness—it’s a rock number that tightens your chest.
The slowed-down arrangement and the falsetto are emo too; it’s a fast-paced track that brings tears to your eyes.
Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku
I had this preconceived psychedelic image from the band name “Kinoko Teikoku,” and this was the first song I listened to.
It pleasantly defied my expectations.
It’s a very delicate yet powerful song.
It reminds me of the feelings I had when stepping into a new life and gives me the motivation to keep going.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
A signature song by the rock band [Alexandros], it opens with a refreshing intro featuring a comfortable rhythm and a crisp instrumental ensemble.
The chorus’s beautiful melody and vocals soar as if they could carry on forever, making for a liberating track.
Its driving sound and brisk, exhilarating tempo ramp up the emotion—a reliable rock number that makes you want to start running.
90’S TOKYO BOYSOKAMOTO’S
This song pleasantly defied my expectations of OKAMOTO’S.
It’s not that it doesn’t feel like OKAMOTO’S, but the chorus has an incredibly emo impact.
Their inherent strengths—individual skill, raw energy, and more—are woven throughout, making it a very compelling listen.
FLASHPerfume
Among Perfume’s songs, I think this one is especially stylish in its music, choreography, and music video.
It was written specifically as the theme song for the film Chihayafuru, and it’s notable for lyrics that include words related to the movie, as well as choreography that incorporates moves inspired by martial arts.
In the days I paintedRhythmic Toy World
This is a song by a Japanese rock band known for releasing many tracks with powerful, heartfelt messages.
The song is a ballad that showcases their signature emotional intensity alongside a gentle, soothing melody.
DECIDEDUVERworld
It’s a song by a Japanese mixture rock band that’s especially popular among younger generations.
The track also serves as the theme song for the live-action film adaptation of a hugely popular manga.
Its strongly message-driven lyrics are delivered through the vocalist’s powerful voice, giving it a deeply emotional feel.