Sad songs. Emotional catharsis to detox your heart.
We’ve selected timeless and popular songs recommended by our studio staff that are so sad they’ll make you feel it just by listening.
Every once in a while, let’s detox the heart with a good cry.
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Sad Songs (11–20)
Love is litrokudenashi

A heart-stirring ballad by Rokudenashi that delicately sings of loneliness and anxiety over a simple piano tone.
Ninzin’s clear, translucent voice shines like a warm light on the heart.
Released in February 2023, this song is a collaboration with Vocaloid producer MIMI and is also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana.” It’s a piece that reaches out to those who can’t bring themselves to love themselves or others, who are held back by old wounds, and who carry a quiet sadness.
When you’re burdened by feelings you can’t tell anyone, or overcome by deep solitude, it will gently encourage you right by your ear.
Until your night breaks (into dawn)Kasamura Tōta

A song by Tōta Kasamura that begins by questioning a broken or misguided world.
It’s a ballad notable for its gentle, delicate piano melody and its wistful sound arrangement.
The lyrics portray the protagonist’s strong determination to overcome parting from a loved one, lost time, and the pain of that loss.
Included on the February 2021 album How to Become a Wonderful Adult, this track is also known as a counterpart to “Lily of the Endless Night.” Accompanied by a beautiful melody like waiting for dawn, it tenderly weaves a state of mind that seeks a glimmer of hope even amid deep despair—a song that stays close to you in dark times.
Goodbye, my hero.Kasamura Tōta

A song by Tota Kasamura, marked by a piano-centered, serene melody and delicate arrangements.
Depicting independence, responsibility, and the strength to support others, this work was included as the title track of the album “Goodbye, My Hero,” released in November 2019.
As Kasamura’s 79th piece, it sings of the resolve to take a new step forward through parting with one’s past self and idealized image.
It is a track that will deeply resonate with those who have experienced heartbreak, setbacks, or farewells with someone important.
confessionHirai Ken

This is a song whose profound vocals by Ken Hirai resonate deeply, portraying hopeless darkness and profound sorrow.
Released in May 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “W no Higeki” (The Tragedy of W).
The suffering and feelings of resignation depicted from the perspective of a woman carrying sadness are made even more striking through a music video with a unique visual aesthetic.
The work drew attention for its innovative production that fuses traditional Japanese performing arts—such as Awa Odori and Kabuki—with dance, leaving a strong impression both musically and visually.
It is a song that gently stays by the side of those trying to move forward despite their pain, or those who wish to confront the darker emotions within themselves.
ElfAdo

A sweeping tale that evokes the legendary elves known for their solitude is vividly brought to life by Ado’s overwhelming vocal power.
Amid an endless journey, the story of a soul that faces itself and overcomes conflict and anguish is deeply moving.
Set to air from January 2025 as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Who Saw the Peacock Dance?”, it resonates perfectly with the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.
Embracing the loneliness and sorrow felt along the path of struggle, this work becomes a song that speaks to the hearts of all who find the courage to move forward.
How to Love AfterimagesTele

A delicate sonic world, woven to gently embrace the pain and regret that lie deep within the heart.
Riding on Tele’s slowly flowing, lyrical melodies, the song about a lost love quietly stays close to the listener’s heart.
The tender, almost whispering vocals and the dreamlike soundscape that seems to reflect a city at night create a space filled with a familiar, aching nostalgia.
Released in February 2025, this work serves as the theme song for Tele’s nationwide tour, coloring 12 shows across 9 cities starting in March.
It’s a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced parting with a loved one or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.
Maplesupittsu

A gem of a ballad that weaves a fleeting yet beautiful farewell scene with a clear, transparent melody.
Released by Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur,” this song tenderly sings of longing for what has been lost.
It portrays the heartache that gradually softens over time and the strength to keep looking forward, carried by a warm, gentle performance.
Beginning with its use in the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Over Time” and continuing through to the network’s 2022 series “silent,” it has colored many stories.
It’s a song to listen to when your heart is deeply wounded or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.
Masamune Kusano’s tender, comforting vocals are sure to become a source of support for your heart.


