Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
While it’s great fun to sing crowd-pleasers that get everyone hyped at karaoke, it can be just as nice to connect over a poignant, melancholic ballad.
So this time, we’ll introduce a selection of bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke all at once!
Unlike upbeat tracks that amp up the energy, melancholic ballads tend to be slower in tempo and feature lots of long sustained notes.
That’s why they feel so good to sing!
And above all, many of these songs invite you to empathize with the lyrics and pour your emotions into them, so you’re sure to bond and get excited with the people you’re with through that shared connection to the music.
Let’s dive in.
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Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular tracks (21–30)
Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu
A heartbreaking farewell song with a constricting, bittersweet melody and Keisuke Kuwata’s wistful vocals that pierce the heart.
You can keenly feel the protagonist’s helpless emotions as they sense an impending breakup yet can’t let go of their lingering attachment.
The lyrics, written entirely in Japanese with great care, are filled with straightforward words that resonate deeply—so much so that if you’ve just had your heart broken, you may not be able to listen without tears.
Released as a single in July 1992, it’s also famous as the theme song for the drama “I’ve Always Loved You,” which became a social phenomenon.
It became Southern All Stars’ first million-selling record and continues to be loved by many to this day.
It’s a masterpiece that offers healing—belt it out at karaoke with all your emotions, and it feels like the tears will wash away the sadness along with them.
Because you are hereUru
It’s a ballad characterized by a moving vocal performance and profound lyrics.
Woven from Uru’s own experiences, the song conveys the idea that the presence of someone important can give you the courage to live.
Released in February 2020 as a digital-only single, it was written as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Ship of Theseus).
It captured the hearts of many listeners, earning Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in March of the same year and Platinum in December.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish everyday happiness and the bonds with loved ones.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to bring tears to your eyes.
I love you, but I can’t love you.AAA
This is AAA’s 50th single, released on September 16, 2015.
According to Oricon, it reached No.
4 on the weekly chart.
It won the Excellence Award at the 57th Japan Record Awards.
The swiftly unfolding melody conveys a heartrending sense of sorrow.
It’s a love ballad about feelings for a former lover with whom separation was the only choice.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi
This song depicts the small wonders felt in everyday life and the bittersweetness of farewells.
It gently weaves scenes of changing seasons and daily moments, resonating deeply with listeners.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and the piano’s melody richly convey the emotions.
Included on the album “YANKEE,” released in April 2014, it was also used as the theme song for a Tokyo Metro advertising campaign.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting with someone or who cherish the simple happiness of daily life.
With its heartfelt melody and lyrics, it is sure to stay close to your heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
This is a signature ballad by Awesome City Club, created under the inspiration of the world of the film We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.
It portrays unforgettable memories of love in a way that’s both beautiful and heartrending, while conveying a strong will to move forward into the future.
The twin-vocal arrangement, sung from both a woman’s and a man’s perspective, adds depth to the story and really strikes a chord.
Included on the album Grower, released in February 2021, this song captured many hearts alongside the film’s success.
When you’re grieving a breakup or spending a night haunted by someone you can’t forget, why not try singing it at karaoke? Letting your overflowing emotions ride the melody might help lighten your heart, little by little.
NAOHY
This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.
The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.
Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.
It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.
Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.
If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?
nape (of the neck)aiko
Opening with the sound of a beautiful piano, this is a supreme ballad from aiko.
The lyrics delicately trace lingering feelings for a past lover and memories that don’t fade even as the seasons turn, gently comforting hearts fresh from heartbreak.
While accepting the breakup, the earnest wish to meet again in a few years with a smile is a message that’s sure to tug at anyone’s heart.
Released in November 2003, this song was a lead single from the acclaimed album “Akatsuki no Love Letter” and was also performed at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a piece that suits the quiet winter air—on nights when you want to cleanse your sadness, try singing it out and letting your overflowing emotions flow with it.