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. Kokoro detox through tear therapy (21–30)
NautilusYorushika
Currently gaining popularity especially among young people, Yorushika.
“Nautilus” is the story of a girl who struggles to live through the darkness of life.
Two people chasing their dreams tried to walk together, but “you” disappeared.
I can’t forget, and I don’t want to forget.
This song stays close to the sorrow of losing someone precious.
It also portrays the depth and delicacy of love, making it a song that pierces the heart.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
Rimi Natsukawa’s signature song, “Nada Sou Sou.” It was originally composed by BEGIN with lyrics written by Ryoko Moriyama.
I’ve heard that Moriyama wrote the lyrics while thinking of her brother, who passed away at a young age.
The simple, heartfelt expression of thinking about someone brings tears to your eyes.
The sound of the Okinawan stringed instrument, the sanshin, also gently seeps into the heart.
Tears of TomorrowKoseki Mai
A moving song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the struggles that follow.
Mai Koseki’s vocals vividly convey the moment she’s told it’s over, the lingering feelings for someone she can’t forget, and the resolve to move forward.
Blending a melody reminiscent of 1990s J-pop with a modern sensibility, the track is included on the single “Namida no Tomorrow / Yes! Hare Yohō,” released in April 2024.
On nights when love has fallen apart and you feel like crying alone, this song will surely soothe your heart.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow, even while carrying the pain of goodbye.
Memories from todayAimer
Among the songs by the highly acclaimed singer-songwriter Aimer, this one, in particular, depicts a sorrowful, tear-jerking story.
The lyrics portray a farewell to someone precious, which seems less like a breakup and more like a parting by death.
From the title, you can sense the poignant message that no new stories will be created with the person who has passed away, and from today onward, everything will turn into memories.
Reading the lyrics, you can feel a pure love and bond toward the one who is gone—it’s a song that’s impossible to listen to without tears.
glowing madder-redAimer
A poignant ballad that sings of the loneliness of being all alone.
It’s a song by Aimer, the singer known for works like “ONE” and “I beg you,” released in 2016 as her 12th single.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go.
The transparent vocals and grand soundscape complement each other, adding depth to the song’s world.
For example, if someone who recently went through a breakup listens to it, it will surely strike a chord.
366 daysHY
As adults, we often find ourselves in situations where we have to prioritize reason over emotion, and many people may even feel resistance to expressing sadness.
But sometimes it’s important to let yourself cry and be set free.
For those who want to cry but can’t, I recommend HY’s “366 Days.” Included on their fifth album released in 2008, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “The Red Thread” and became a huge hit with 4.5 million downloads.
Its heartrending lyrics—about wanting to stay connected even as feelings drift apart—bring tears to your eyes, and by the time you reach the end, you may find the tears won’t stop.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to take your time, listen closely, and have a good cry.
NAOHY
HY has a lot of songs that make you cry, don’t they? This song, “NAO,” is very well-known as a heartbreak song.
It’s perfect for when you’re in the mood to cry, the kind of song that amplifies your sadness.
It’s a track that makes you feel frustrated with someone who just won’t be clear, but for those involved, these feelings probably resonate with many people.
It’s a tear-jerking masterpiece that’s perfect for anyone with unrequited love or going through a sad romance.
When you feel like having a good cry, listen to it while savoring the lyrics.