[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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- [Popular Piano] Capture the Audience’s Attention! Recommended Pop Songs That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- 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 (21–30)
Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46
Released in February 2023, this track is Sakurazaka46’s fifth single.
It’s a song that portrays the poignant feelings of farewell experienced by students on the verge of graduation.
Using cherry blossoms as a motif, the lyrics impressively layer the changing seasons with shifts in emotion.
The clear tone of the piano evokes petals fluttering in the wind.
The ticking clock at the beginning symbolizes the passage of time.
Carried by a delicate melody, the inexpressible emotions of a faint first love come through.
It’s perfect for the graduation season—for those holding thoughts of parting with friends and hopes for the future.
Also recommended for solo accompaniment and choral performances.
KanadeSukima Suichi
It’s a masterpiece whose gentle yet heartrending emotion resonates from the very first piano intro.
It conveys the desire to express bonds with loved ones through music, transcending physical distance and the passage of time.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta,” it captured the hearts of many.
The serene piano melody and the richly expressive vocals blend in perfect balance, and since its release in March 2004, it became a long-running hit, charting on Oricon for 38 weeks.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to cherish it as a song of memories, or to express feelings for someone special through music.
broad daylightKing Gnu
The song written as the theme for the Nippon TV Saturday drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer” is marked by a delicate piano arrangement characteristic of King Gnu.
Released digitally in February 2019, the track portrays, alongside a beautiful melody, the frailty that leads people to hurt others unconsciously, regret over past mistakes, and a strong will to move forward.
The monochrome music video, while simple, powerfully conveys the song’s world through the band’s performance scenes.
The quietly comforting piano tones and a melody that evokes hope amid poignancy are sure to move music fans seeking a deeply affecting experience.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
The theme song of the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” marked by a beautiful melody and piano timbre overflowing with sweet, wistful emotion.
Ken Hirai’s lyrical vocals gently embrace the sorrow and deep feelings of losing a loved one.
Celebrating a love that never fades with time, the song topped the 2004 Oricon annual singles chart.
Beginning quietly and gradually building in emotion, its piano lines leave a profound afterglow that resonates in the heart.
Try performing it with a calm mindset, as if retracing memories with eyes closed, holding thoughts of someone dear close to your chest.
Recommended for those seeking a gently soothing piano piece or wishing to perform a lyrically moving work that speaks to the soul.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
A ballad distinguished by its gentle piano timbre.
This gem of a song portrays the heartrending tale of two young lovers tormented by a forbidden romance.
Even as they carry loneliness and anxiety, the way they affirm their love in a room together, accompanied by the beautiful piano melody, resonates deeply.
Included on the December 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was released as a single in March 1991.
Also used in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercial, the piece, despite its simple structure, holds the power to convey profound emotion.
A timeless classic that speaks to the heart—one to listen to when standing at a crossroads in love or in life.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced moving J-POP songs that might bring tears to your eyes as you play them on the piano.
Just listening is enough to feel the emotion, but by performing them yourself, you can sense the movement of the melody and the changes in harmony with your whole body, surrounding yourself with an even deeper sense of awe.
If you’re a piano beginner, it’s perfectly fine to start by just playing the melody on its own.
Enjoy performing in the way that suits you best!