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)
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
Hitsujibungaku captivates with their unique sound that blends inorganic coolness and warmth, along with poetic, delicate word choices.
Released in September 2023, this track was selected as the ending theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc, and has surpassed 100 million streams.
Incorporating a four-on-the-floor beat and programmed sounds for the first time, the piece is an ambitious work produced by Moeka Shiotsuka after a year of studying DTM (desktop music production).
The lyrics, which reflect on how to convey feelings that words alone can’t express and on how to navigate one’s own life, really resonate.
The transparent vocals meld into the expansive soundscape, making it a song you’ll want to savor on a quiet night.
Classic emo songs in Japanese music: Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
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.
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.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
This song by RADWIMPS was written as the theme for Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering With You.
Its simple structure unfolds mainly with a piano accompaniment, perfectly matched by vocalist Yojiro Noda’s voice.
While evoking the film’s story, the question “Is there still anything love can do?” is profoundly emotional and resonates deeply.
Lilia.Watashi janakattanda ne.
Singer-songwriter Riria, who rose to popularity after posting acoustic performances on social media.
Released in October 2021, this song is a ballad that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering feelings.
The lyrics, like an inner monologue, confess how the other person’s kindness only ends up causing more pain—listening makes your chest tighten.
You’ll be drawn in by the sound built around the interplay of gentle piano and guitar, Riria’s fragile vocals, and a late key change that unleashes a rush of emotion.
Take a relaxed posture and give it a listen.
Love WindIkuta Rira
This song gently wraps around a heart that’s become timid about love, like a spring breeze.
It carefully depicts the protagonist, who carries past wounds, meeting someone who looks at them with unwavering eyes and slowly trying to move forward.
The moment when the wish for love to be simpler intersects with the courage to take a step anyway is achingly poignant, and as you listen, it resonates with your own feelings of love.
Lila Ikuta’s clear, translucent voice delicately conveys these wavering emotions and truly strikes a chord.
Released in April 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.
New Zealand Edition.” This marks the third time Lila Ikuta has provided a theme song for the series, following “Romance no Yakusoku” and “Sparkle.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you don’t quite have the courage to start a new romance, or when you’re feeling your heart race over a new encounter.
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.