A tear-jerking love song that gently stays by your heart

I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

This song gently embraces the emotions of a long-distance relationship, carrying a bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment.

Even when lovers are physically apart, their hearts remain close—an emotion expressed with exquisite balance through Thelma Aoyama’s soft vocals and SoulJa’s rap.

Though busyness can make the emotional distance feel wider, the unwavering resolve to care for each other resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2008, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and won the JASRAC Gold Award, becoming a massive hit recognized by Guinness World Records.

In 2022, a new collaborative track with SoulJa also came to fruition.

It’s a heartwarming message song that will resonate with those living apart from their partners or anyone grappling with the bonds they share with someone important.

HappinessOnda Masanori

"Happiness" / Masanori Onda

Masamori Onda’s “Shiawase” is a wonderful song paired with an MV that’s heartbreakingly poignant, like a home movie of happier days.

Believe it or not, Onda was still only 19 as of 2023.

“Shiawase” is a classic breakup song that looks back on days of happiness, yet it somehow avoids any trace of the usual clichés—there’s something mysterious about it.

The scene where he writes her name in the sand, in particular, is a real tearjerker.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a good, cathartic cry!

DarlingSuda Keina

Keina Suda – Darling (Music Video)

An emotional song by Keina Suda that powerfully portrays a fleeting yet earnest longing for love.

It expresses one-sided devotion, the pain of not being accepted, and feelings of self-denial, all conveyed through an addictive melody and delicate vocals.

Released in January 2023, the music video—created in collaboration with illustrator Avogado6—garnered attention for its innovative visual beauty that blends animation with live action.

It’s a song that gently resonates with those struggling with dependency and inner conflict in love, or with the heartache of not being accepted by the one they care for.

usmilet

milet 'us' MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for the Nippon TV Wednesday drama 'Gisou Furin' [Fake Affair])

A heartrending love song by milet that earnestly sings about cherishing the present moment, even while feeling anxious about possibly losing a relationship by confessing one’s feelings.

She conveys the interplay of courage and fear in taking a step forward through her signature husky voice.

Born from the album “us,” released in August 2019, this track also perfectly captures the world of the NTV Wednesday drama “Fake Affair,” for which it served as the theme song.

It gently accompanies those who struggle to express their feelings honestly to someone, or who hesitate out of a desire not to change a precious relationship.

just a littleIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – A Little (Official Music Video)

A song whose heartrending, soul-stirring vocals move every listener.

With delicate wording, it weaves a poignant love swayed by the whims of fate—encounters that come at the wrong time.

Haru Igarashi is a singer-songwriter with the unusual background of being a former police officer.

Released in March 2024, this work has drawn major attention, topping the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart for two consecutive weeks.

The line about pretending to like what the other person likes just to stay by their side is so earnest it tightens the chest.

Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-

This is a masterpiece that delicately portrays the bittersweet pain of heartbreak and parting.

Released in February 2007, it’s a song by Hikaru Utada and served as the image song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns).” It beautifully expresses the many emotions brought on by saying goodbye to someone you love, with a memorable melody that resonates as if you can feel the very essence of love throughout your whole body.

The song topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks and was also included on the album “HEART STATION.” It’s a track that resonates deeply during the poignant moments of love or when you’re feeling uncertain about a relationship with someone important.

SilenceKōda Kumi

Koda Kumi - 'Silence' (Official Music Video)

Kumi Koda’s new song, imbued with deep emotion, will stir listeners’ hearts.

Centered on the theme of grand love, familiar scenery speaks of transience, and the lyrics give voice to heartache and forgiveness.

Co-written by Kumi Koda and Shinjiro Inoue and released in February 2024, the track explores the complexity of human relationships and the search for true love.

Many will resonate with the line, “I love you no matter who you are.” It’s a recommended song for those seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to deepen their feelings for someone special.

Kumi Koda’s powerful vocals will be right there beside your heart.