[Piano × J-POP] Tearjerker! A Selection of Moving/Touching Songs
When you hear “moving J-pop,” what songs come to mind?
What tugs at the heart differs from person to person—whether it’s “lyrics that pierce the soul” or “a worldview you can relate to.” But for many, a “memorable melody” is surely one of the key elements that moves them!
Songs with beautiful, captivating melodies are wonderful not only to sing, but also to play on the piano.
So this time, we’re spotlighting J-pop with striking melodies!
We’ll introduce plenty of pieces alongside piano performance videos that highlight the beauty of their melodies.
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- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [Piano × J‑Pop] A curated selection of the coolest new hits and anime songs that’ll look great when you play them
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- Today's Piano: Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Woven with Delicate Tones
- [Graduation Songs] Graduation songs featuring captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances
- Even beginners can play them easily on the piano! A curated selection of popular and latest J-POP songs.
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
[Piano × J-POP] Tearjerker! A selection of moving songs (11–20)
powder snowRemioromen
A three-piece rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture, Remioromen crafted this poignant winter classic.
It was also used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” becoming a track that resonates closely with many listeners.
The lyrics delicately portray the feelings of two people passing by each other in a season of swirling powder snow, leaving a strong impression.
Ryota Fujimaki’s clear, transparent vocals pair exquisitely with the melody that strikes the heart.
Released in November 2005, this gem of a ballad sings of longing for precious things that have been lost.
It sinks in even deeper when heard in the cold season, so why not relax and listen to it on a winter night?
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song delicately portrays the fleeting yet beautiful light and shadow of youth.
Memories, loneliness, anxiety, and hope are interwoven as the days pass, expressed through an urban sound.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” it harmonizes Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing melodies with profound lyrics.
At the 66th Japan Record Awards in 2024, it won the Grand Prize.
Centered on the complex emotions everyone experiences during their youth and on how we confront ourselves, the song resonates deeply.
Embracing the hearts of those who strive to move forward despite their anxieties, it has garnered support from a wide range of generations.
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
A signature song by Masayoshi Yamazaki that portrays the poignant sense of loss in endlessly searching for someone who is gone.
Released in January 1997, it became known as the theme song for the film he starred in, “The Moon and a Cabbage,” and enjoyed long-running success with over 300,000 copies sold.
In 2007, it was used again as the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bringing it widespread recognition among younger audiences.
With a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar arpeggios and piano, the song delicately weaves feelings of lingering attachment and regret.
Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics pair beautifully with the piano’s delicate timbre.
Recommended for those who want to perform it quietly on a calm night while thinking of someone dear.
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda’s “Niji” sings of straightforward love for someone special.
Many of you may remember it as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.
Overflowing with tenderness, the piece sounds wonderful as a piano solo, but playing it as a duet adds an even warmer, more embracing feel.
Given the meaning of the lyrics, it’s perfect to perform with someone you’re close to—so try enjoying a duet with family, friends, or a romantic partner.
The Door to TomorrowI WiSH
Known as a ballad with an impressive piano timbre, this song drew attention in February 2003 as the theme for Fuji TV’s romance variety show Ainori.
It features a gentle atmosphere crafted by I WiSH’s clear, transparent vocals intricately woven with the piano’s melody.
The piece delicately depicts the pure feelings of a first love budding under the summer sun and the way one’s affection for another gradually grows.
From the moment of falling in love to hopes for the future, the lyrics carefully trace the subtleties of the heart in a way that resonates universally.
With its calm, warm melody and deeply moving lyrics in perfect harmony, this track is recommended for anyone who wants to savor the poignancy and joy of love or is seeking tender, heartwarming music.
A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota
Beginning with a quiet piano melody, this song moved listeners as the theme for NHK’s Drama 10 “Designer Baby.” It is a warm love song filled with the wish to deliver feelings for a beloved person not as a bouquet of flowers, but in the form of a melody.
The interplay of piano and gentle vocals tenderly conveys the strength of longing for the other and the resolve to protect them.
The desire to express heartfelt love through music, and the pure emotion of seeking one’s sense of purpose in a lover’s affection, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect piece for those who wish to convey their feelings to someone special not only through words, but through music.
[Piano × J-POP] Tearjerker! A selection of moving songs (21–30)
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s second unforgettable song is a richly narrative piece where the brilliance and bittersweetness of youth resonate.
Centered on themes of life and death, love and loneliness, it captivates with a compelling contrast between its light, buoyant melody and deeply meaningful message.
In the chorus, a driving rhythm pairs with an overwhelming desire to save a loved one, striking listeners straight in the heart.
Topping the Oricon Weekly Combined Singles Chart in June 2020 and performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the work blends pop appeal with literary depth.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to immerse themselves in a story world, and for listeners who enjoy both rhythmic compositions and profound lyrics.