Emo songs recommended for junior high school students: A roundup of classic and popular Japanese tracks!

I thought about killing myselfamazarashi

Ω Amazarashi – The Reason Why I Thought I’d Die 僕が死のうと思ったのは Ω

amazarashi is a rock band from Aomori Prefecture.

Their songs are striking for lyrics that, while afflicted, still carry a certain gentleness.

This work, too, has an extremely intense title, but in the end someone’s presence brings salvation.

It’s a song that gently stays close to a worn-out heart.

mentally unstable personMioyamazaki

Mio Yamazaki “Menhera”

There must be quite a few students who end up struggling mentally—whether it’s because of academics, relationships, or any number of things.

If you’re grappling with worries right now, I recommend Mio Yamazaki’s work.

The lyrics are so relatable for anyone feeling down that just listening can lighten your heart.

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Saitō Ayumu

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I can’t stand that cute girl.narumiya

I can't stand that cute girl – Narumiya

Set to a poppy, upbeat rhythm, this track vividly chronicles complex feelings like infatuation and jealousy.

It’s a single released by singer-songwriter Narumiya in September 2023, and it sparked a huge response mainly on social media.

Packed with possessiveness toward a crush and aching wishes, the more you listen, the tighter your chest feels.

Yet those disarmingly honest lyrics end up speaking for your feelings and lightening your heart.

Why not give it a listen when you’re struggling with unrequited love or wishing someone would understand your true feelings at night? If you let yourself sink into the up-tempo groove and let out the haze in your heart, you might feel a bit refreshed.

seems like (just) my imaginationmaji musume

majiko – Kokoronashi [LIVE]

It’s a song I want to listen to when I’m tired of everything.

When you can’t trust anyone and you’re in a tough situation, listening to it will make your heart feel a little lighter.

The cry-like vocals really pierce the heart… Many singers have covered it, and it’s a highly acclaimed song.

The saddest thing in the worldmirukīuei

M1LKYWAY – The Saddest Thing in the World (Official Music Video)

Milkyway is a band from Osaka whose concept is “We’re done becoming adults.” They often sing about themes like bullying and suicide, but their melodies are very catchy.

When you set painful feelings to a catchy tune, it somehow starts to feel a little like salvation, doesn’t it?

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Saitō Ayumu

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The Day the Curse Was LiftedTaito

Takuto “The Day the Curse Was Lifted” MV

This song has a story: although Taku Takeru was bullied in junior high and closed himself off, he was able to regain his smile through encounters with fans and the people around him.

It’s a track that, while being a “dark” song, still inspires hope, making you think, “Let’s accept ourselves as we are, acknowledge ourselves, and keep moving forward.”

Stray SheepKamisama, boku wa kizuite shimatta

God, I Have Come to Realize – STRAY SHEEP

This is a song I especially want people who are struggling with their future or feeling stuck to hear.

They rose to popularity with piercing high notes and sharp lyrics.

In this track, they play gently—and at times intensely—as if saving lost lambs.

Singing, “Don’t worry about those around you; listen to your own voice,” their message will surely give you a little push toward the future.