[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A back number song about lost love and memories, and the journey of moving forward.

Even when someone precious is gone, life goes on—a reality expressed through winter’s chill and the changing seasons.

The belief that the happy days spent together and the joys shared have become part of oneself conveys a deep bond.

Released in October 2011 as their third single, it is also included on the album “Superstar.” This is a song that offers empathy and comfort to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

existenceWANIMA

WANIMA “Existence” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO / Flower Cupid Mother’s Day CM song

This is a gem-like ballad by WANIMA, woven with deep gratitude and love for a grandmother.

Inspired by member KENTA’s experiences of being raised by his grandmother from childhood, the song vividly depicts memories from a seaside town.

Its mid-tempo melody and heartfelt vocals richly express warm feelings toward someone precious.

Released in March 2025, the track was written for Flower Gift Service “Hana Cupid” and used as the theme song for their Mother’s Day campaign commercial.

The CM featuring Shohei Miura drew attention as well, and the song has garnered notice as the band’s first ballad-style track.

It’s a piece I wholeheartedly recommend to those carrying the sorrow of losing someone dear or wishing to convey gratitude to the precious people in their lives today.

Until your night breaks (into dawn)Kasamura Tōta

Until Your Night Breaks / feat. IA (& Fukase)

This is one of Tota Kasamura’s signature works, beginning with a question posed to a broken world and a mistaken world.

The sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching wish to meet them again resonate deeply.

The melody, woven to accompany the listener’s emotions, and the lyrics, imbued with profound love, are beautifully harmonized.

Released in January 2019 and included on the February 2021 album “How to Become a Wonderful Adult,” this piece—together with its counterpart, “Lily of the Endless Night”—is highly regarded as one of Kasamura’s representative Vocaloid songs.

It is a gem that offers comfort and healing to those facing the grief of losing someone dear, as well as to anyone who loves someone deeply.

Hide-and-seekRADWIMPS

Hide and seek

Through the childhood game everyone once played—hide-and-seek—this RADWIMPS song gently depicts parting from someone dear.

The quiet tones of piano and strings resonate as if to stay close to the hearts of those who have lost a loved one.

It carefully expresses the bewilderment and sense of loss toward someone who suddenly disappeared, the guilt of forgetting, and the struggle between that and the reality of having to move forward.

Written as the theme song for the NHK General drama special “Anata no Soba de Ashita ga Warau,” broadcast on March 6, 2021, marking ten years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was included on the album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1 = 10 years 10 songs.” This piece will deeply resonate not only with those who lost loved ones in the disaster, but with anyone who has experienced parting from someone important in any form.

I don’t knowNEW!Hoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – I Don’t Know (Official Video)

This is a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’ve experienced a final farewell with someone precious and feel a gaping hole in your heart.

Gen Hoshino’s vocals, sung as if gently speaking to you, and the shaded, tranquil melody will seep into your soul.

It portrays a theme that faces the reality of living while carrying confusion and loneliness, and the earnest feelings for what has been lost will resonate as a quiet afterglow.

Released in November 2012 as his fourth single, it is also included on the acclaimed album “Stranger.” On nights when you can’t yet accept your sorrow, or when you want to quietly reflect on days spent with someone who has passed, this song will softly and tenderly stay by your side.

I miss youRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Aitai

A song by RADWIMPS released in March 2021, marking 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Its heartrending lyrics, which portray the feelings of those who lost loved ones in the disaster, deeply move many listeners.

Some will surely be brought to tears by the lines filled with powerful longing for those who have passed away.

The track is included on the concept album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1= 10 years 10 songs.” As a message to keep the memory of the disaster from fading, it resonates not only with survivors but with countless others.

It’s a song we especially hope those who have experienced parting from someone dear will listen to.

untitled ～for her～NEW!Hamasaki Ayumi

untitled ～for her～ (A BALLADS 2)

A warm ballad that gently reels in the irreplaceable memories spent with someone dear.

Sung by Ayumi Hamasaki, this piece conveys profound loss and the lingering echoes of love through a restrained, quiet arrangement.

With wording that avoids specifying the subject, listeners can overlay their own farewells onto the song.

It closes out the album “GUILTY,” released in January 2008, and was also included on the acclaimed “A BALLADS 2,” released in April 2021.

Eschewing flashy uplift for a subtler resonance that seeps into the heart, this track is recommended for those carrying overflowing emotions who wish to look back on their memories with a calm spirit.