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 songs (1–10)
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.