Emo songs recommended for junior high school students: A roundup of classic and popular Japanese tracks!
There are moments when anyone feels like laying their sadness and sorrow directly over music.
Especially in middle school, emotions are delicate, and you’re often drawn to lyrics that sink into your heart or melodies tinged with melancholy.
Songs that stay close to those feelings—so-called “yami songs” (songs steeped in emotional pain)—can be precious sources of empathy and comfort.
This time, from tracks with fragile sensitivity to more intense songs that cut deep into the heart, we’re introducing yami songs recommended for middle schoolers.
You’re sure to find a track that resonates with your heart.
Playlist
| Emo songs recommended for junior high school students: A roundup of classic and popular Japanese tracks! | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | IdentitySakanakushon |  play_arrow | A melancholic Latin dance track marking Sakanaction’s turning point |
| 2 | Overdosenatori |  play_arrow | A song trending on social media depicts inner conflict. |
| 3 | Premeditated revengeMakishimamu Za Horumon |  play_arrow | The impulsive music of Maximum the Hormone |
| 4 | to liveMizuno Atsu |  play_arrow | A Vocaloid song that gently supports a delicate heart |
| 5 | There was no meaning to being born.mafumafu |  play_arrow | A song that is a cry from the heart asking about the meaning of life |
| 6 | MarshmallowDECO*27 |  play_arrow | DECO*27's song portrays complex human relationships. |
| 7 | He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon |  play_arrow | AIMYON’s debut song, about life and death |
| 8 | There are no gods.Rosu |  play_arrow | A dark song depicting revenge and karma, expressing deep emotions |
| 9 | Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa |  play_arrow | ReoNa’s song “Nai Nai” gently embraces the heart |
| 10 | The kid who always gets comparedTsuyu |  play_arrow | An anthem to encourage those hurt by comparisons with others |
| 11 | I want to become a kaiju.Sakuzyo |  play_arrow | A musical work expressing the repressed emotions of a junior high school student |
| 12 | Omelet riceReoNa |  play_arrow | An anthem that portrays loneliness and a sense of negated existence |
| 13 | subculture girlKyūso Nekokami |  play_arrow | A song that makes me feel like I can work hard on day-duty tasks while subculture girls are being persecuted. |
| 14 | I thought about killing myselfamazarashi |  play_arrow | Characterized by gentle lyrics that heal a troubled heart |
| 15 | mentally unstable personMioyamazaki |  play_arrow | Introduction to musical works that heal troubles of the heart |
| 16 | seems like (just) my imaginationmaji musume |  play_arrow | Songs for when you're tired that lighten your heart |
| 17 | The saddest thing in the worldmirukīuei |  play_arrow | Milkyway, making dark themes catchy |
| 18 | The Day the Curse Was LiftedTaito |  play_arrow | Takuto’s Story of Overcoming Bullying and Finding Hope |
| 19 | Stray SheepKamisama, boku wa kizuite shimatta |  play_arrow | Listen to your own voice |
| 20 | Venusjoōbachi |  play_arrow | A song that sings of a love that can't be spoken to the person |
| 21 | Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri |  play_arrow | A moving song depicting graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 22 | BuddhaRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | A must-listen RADWIMPS track. It makes you reflect on the relationship between life and society. |
| 23 | Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni. |  play_arrow | Midnight rock, an energetic shout |
| 24 | sceneHatsuboshi Gakuen Shinozawa Hiroshi |  play_arrow | Tips for songs that are sung slowly, valuing the pauses |
| 25 | If I could become a constellationkessoku bando |  play_arrow | Kessoku Band’s “If I Could Become a Constellation” is popular. |
| 26 | The wandering armor that wants to be a hero spends another day thinking alone.The Mirraz |  play_arrow | It’s important to solve problems in ways that suit each individual. |
| 27 | drugs, Nee-koShinsei Kamattechan |  play_arrow | Shinsei Kamattechan’s music has a laid-back, drained-out vibe. Be careful not to overlisten. |
| 28 | The BeginningONE OK ROCK |  play_arrow | Hard rock songs to listen to when feeling anxious |
| 29 | Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | An independently produced fantasy music work |
| 30 | Sketchaimyon |  play_arrow | Aimyon “Sketch” is easy to sing |
| 31 | lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | A moving song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that portrays youth |
| 32 | Transparent GirlNUMBER GIRL |  play_arrow | Portray a student life with sharp contrasts, like a fizzy soda, together with the PV |
| 33 | Lv30kururi |  play_arrow | A rhythmical, dark-themed song that conjures vivid imagery when you listen to it. |
| 34 | Lonely Planetyakushimaru etsuko |  play_arrow | Life is a mission aboard a spaceship that never returns. Never lose contact with the people who matter to you. |
| 35 | prophetic dreamsupittsu |  play_arrow | The allure of Spitz’s songs that speak of dreams |
| 36 | Dawn BeatFujifaburikku |  play_arrow | Let's get fired up with the beat of dawn |
| 37 | dancertsubakiya shijuusou |  play_arrow | I am dragging others around |
| 38 | Fight! What for!? For life!Kinniku Shoujo Tai |  play_arrow | Girl's entrance exam study competition war |
| 39 | ANTI-HEROSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | The theme song that maintains harmony on the dark side |
| 40 | idolYOASOBI |  play_arrow | YOASOBI’s popular songs are supported by a wide range of generations. |
| 41 | Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio |  play_arrow | Overcome difficulties with your companions and value balance |
| 42 | You don’t listen to rock.aimyon |  play_arrow | Aimyon’s youth song: a bittersweet unrequited love |
| 43 | I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo |  play_arrow | A song that portrays the heartbreak of a broken romance resonates with young people. |
| 44 | To My AdolescenceAka-hoho Shishunki (BOL4) |  play_arrow | BOL4’s soothing song delicately depicts the feelings of adolescence |
| 45 | We againSG |  play_arrow | A cheering song that overcomes parting and hopes for a reunion |
| 46 | In that casemakaroni enpitsu |  play_arrow | A love song that portrays youth and a bittersweet romance |
| 47 | Answer And Answer9mm Parabellum Bullet |  play_arrow | The courage to find answers beyond conflict |
| 48 | PANDORASiM |  play_arrow | Life passes by, and connections with others are important. |
| 49 | Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | Timeless punk rock is music that speaks to the rebellious spirit everyone has. |
| 50 | SunnyThe Back Horn |  play_arrow | Something I listened to during my school days that I still remember as an adult |
| 51 | Bengal Tiger and Whiskey ~ everything is my guitarandymori |  play_arrow | A song that, freed from the constraints of school, conveys the importance of self-assertion. |
| 52 | SAYONARA BABY BLUEumino te |  play_arrow | An adult-oriented song that portrays the loneliness at summer’s end |
| 53 | It might be a train.tama |  play_arrow | Anxiety of Parting Ways with a Friend and Questions of Reality |
| 54 | Denden Passiondenpagumi.inc |  play_arrow | An anthem to cheer on a cliff-edge idol |
| 55 | Deliberately not resistingyurayura teikoku |  play_arrow | Raise your hands without resisting unreasonable demands |
| 56 | If I can’t use magic, I want to die.Omori Seiko |  play_arrow | The magic of school uniforms lasts only six years |
| 57 | I want to tell you how I feel (my love)aimyon |  play_arrow | Singer-songwriter Aimyon’s sec… |
| 58 | Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki |  play_arrow | A heartwarming embrace for the worries and uncertainties of adolescence... |
| 59 | Skirt Revolutionāban gyarudo |  | A continuum of a girl's growth and the changes in her mind and body. |
| 60 | At any timeYugeda Kensuke |  play_arrow | A gentle song that expresses gratitude at the milestone of turning ten |
| 61 | Highschool ♡ loveE-girls |  play_arrow | An uplifting popular song by E-Girls |
| 62 | bad cryNEE |  play_arrow | NEE’s heartbreak song “Bad Cry” |
| 63 | a May flyRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | A dark, emo rock song that sings about the pain of heartbreak |
| 64 | RainywaySUPER BUTTER DOG |  play_arrow | Japanese funk with youthful sensibility and bittersweet lyrics |
| 65 | horizonback number |  play_arrow | An iconic song that supports students during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 66 | Remember mekururi |  play_arrow | Kururi’s heartwarming youth song |
| 67 | Unrequited love.haji→ |  play_arrow | Unrequited love and the inner turmoil it sings of |
| 68 | Only for you, clear skiesYorushika |  play_arrow | Yorushika’s moving youth anthem resonates with the heart. |
| 69 | Birthday Complexsensei tasukete |  play_arrow | Singing about the feelings of a girl on the eve of her birthday |
| 70 | aitaiKato Miria |  play_arrow | A heartrending love song that sings of the pain of a broken heart |
| 71 | Grim ReaperOmori Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Oomori’s “Shinigami” is a song that soothes loneliness with its profound lyrics and distinctive vocals. |
| 72 | Our FailureMorita Doji |  play_arrow | The definitive “yami” song—watch out, it goes way too deep! |
| 73 | It will surely get better.Shinsei Kamattechan |  play_arrow | The appeal of a heart-touching song that discovers hope |
| 74 | Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakai |  play_arrow | A song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that faces forward without fearing change |
| 75 | I miss you so much and want to see you.Nishino Kana |  play_arrow | A poignant song about lingering feelings for an ex-lover |
| 76 | Billion Beatschōtokkyū |  play_arrow | A soothing song that lightens the heart gives me encouragement. |
| 77 | Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO |  play_arrow | Suffering at school or work from Monday to Friday… |
| 78 | Cinderella BoySaucy Dog |  play_arrow | A rock performance by a three-piece band and a romance between a man and a woman… |
| 79 | RebornSyrup16g |  play_arrow | Included on syrup16g’s third album… |
| 80 | A Naked Heartaimyon |  play_arrow | Aimyon, a musician supported by young people |
| 81 | Make sure you study up, okay?zutto mayonaka de ii no ni. |  play_arrow | Zutomayo’s new song is upbeat and growing in popularity. |
| 82 | Wolverine Nenzutto mayonaka de ii no ni. |  play_arrow | A piercingly heartfelt piece that weaves feelings of loneliness and self-denial… |
| 83 | boys and girlsKanzaki Iori |  play_arrow | Kanzaki Iori’s first release after going independent |
| 84 | AliensKirinji |  play_arrow | It’s one of Kirinji’s signature songs. The actress Non... |
| 85 | Non-breath ObligePinokio P |  play_arrow | I want to vent these feelings that have nowhere to go… |
| 86 | Ghost in the FlowersYorushika |  play_arrow | Piano rock that evokes Yorushika-style youthfulness |
| 87 | I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika |  play_arrow | On days when I don’t want to do anything and don’t even want to go to school… |
| 88 | Dried flowersYuuri |  play_arrow | Lyrics that vividly portray the emotions of heartbreak resonate with listeners... |
| 89 | Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | Middle school romance and Kenshi Yonezu’s songs |
| 90 | From Me to Youflumpool |  play_arrow | The band flumpool, popular among young people, 20... |
| 91 | My NoteSukima Suichi |  play_arrow | The folk duo Sukima Switch in 2006… |
| 92 | KanadeSukima Suichi |  play_arrow | “Kanade” by Sukima Switch is in the autumn season… |
| 93 | Like magicSHISHAMO |  play_arrow | Imitating a cute-sounding vocal voice, karao… |
| 94 | March 9Remioromen |  play_arrow | It’s famous as a moving song often sung at graduation ceremonies… |
| 95 | crowShonan no Kaze |  play_arrow | Now a four-member reggae group that represents Japan, … |
| 96 | Flower -Memento Mori-Mr.Children |  play_arrow | The 11th single by Mr.Children... |
| 97 | Full-Power BoySukima Suichi |  play_arrow | It’s Sukima Switch’s fifth single and one of their signature songs… |
| 98 | scabChi-wata Hidenori |  play_arrow | Released in 2003, the anime “Konjiki …” |
| 99 | Song of the WheelsBUMP OF CHICKEN |  play_arrow | Listening to Mr. Fujiwara’s thoughts on choosing a life path |
| 100 | Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei |  play_arrow | A poignant song that portrays the youthful days of student life... |