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)
cherry (sakurambo)LACCO TOWER
It’s a song by a rock band that shines with its distinctive vocal timbre and delicate emotional expression.
The vocalist’s exquisitely delicate melodies make this piece a masterpiece that deeply stirs the listener’s emotions.
Classic emo songs in Japanese music: Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
Tsukanoma feat. Port of NotesNabowa
Amid a gentle, café-ready melody run striking lines of guitar and violin.
Although the band usually plays instrumental music, this track features a guest vocalist.
The guest’s bittersweet yet powerful voice—and the lyrics—make this a truly captivating song.
Spiral to the Futureguddō mōningu amerika
It’s a track by a punk rock band that’s extremely rare in Japan.
The song’s provocative, message-driven lyrics—very much in the punk rock spirit—and its striking guitar melody make for a listening experience that feels deeply sentimental.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
A song that’s also famous as the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?” The back-and-forth between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu in the latter half captures the feeling of building excitement at the end of a summer fireworks festival and the loneliness that follows, leaving you with a bittersweet mood.
Crimson MoonBABYMETAL
This is a popular song by the founder of cute metal, who now enjoys worldwide recognition.
Alongside their characteristically intense heavy metal sound, the vocals carry a bittersweet yet beautiful melody, making it a deeply emotional track.
Agate Caressed by NightAyase
Composed by Ayase, best known for YOASOBI, this track—originally released in 2019 featuring Hatsune Miku on vocals—was later followed by Ayase’s own self-cover.
Together, the two versions have amassed around 15 million views on YouTube.
The lyrics, which depict a farewell on a train platform after the last train has gone, delicately trace unspoken gratitude, lingering regret, and a gentle wish for the other person’s happiness.
Its bittersweet, wistful melody also went viral on TikTok, where related hashtags have surpassed 24 million views, earning overwhelming support from younger audiences.
Included on the EP “Ghost City Tokyo,” this piece is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear or carries feelings they were never able to put into words.
Bedroom TalkOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song written and composed by Daisuke Kozasa that captures a moment of sharing true feelings in a bedroom at night.
It’s included on the album “Editorial,” released in August 2021.
The song carries a warm message that gently lights an unwavering lamp in hearts worn out by the online world, reminding us of the importance of quiet conversations that connect us with others.
mabanua’s mellow arrangement wraps the stillness of the night, while the delicate guitar tones resonate pleasantly.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you’re tired of human relationships and want to take your time talking with someone you trust.
The lyric video is created entirely with illustrations, beautifully depicting the passage of time from dusk until sleep.