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

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A singer-songwriter whose talent everyone admires, Hikaru Utada’s third single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Majo no Jōken” (Forbidden Love), which became a hot topic thanks to the co-starring of Hideaki Takizawa and Nanako Matsushima.

Utada’s fluent blend of English and Japanese lyrics is outstanding.

The lyrics portray a bittersweet love that cannot come true despite deep affection, and her husky voice layered over them makes it all the more tear-jerking.

It’s a must-listen for anyone going through a painful romance or wishing someone would be there by their side.

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end creditsNEW!Kawasaki Takaya

Takahiro Kawasaki - End Credits [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

With a title that evokes end credits rolling at the close of a film, this work is a bittersweet love song sung by Takaya Kawasaki.

It was included on the EP “Magic,” released in October 2020, and later re-recorded for the 2023 album “Nukumori.” The music video, a collaboration with manga artist Chitose Akai, also drew attention.

The earnest emotions that recall the lingering afterglow of a relationship that should have ended—even down to the tiny habits of everyday life—resonate quietly over a band arrangement.

When you find yourself pausing before the memories of an unrequited love, it’s a song that will gently stay by your side.

morning sunNEW!aimyon

Aimyon – Morning Sun [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Here’s a song by Aimyon that vividly captures raw emotions—like the awkwardness and lingering attachment that seem to seep into the air around dawn.

Set to a slightly funky, pop-tinged sound, it portrays the shame and slyness that can exist in romantic relationships, and was created based on her own experiences.

Released digitally in August 2020 ahead of time, it was included the following month on her third album, “Heard There’s Delicious Pasta.” The music video also drew attention for featuring nine Shiba Inu dogs.

It’s a track that gently stays by your side when you’re holding back unspoken feelings or growing tired of staying in love.

When you want to quietly face your honest heart while sensing the lingering scent of love, give it a listen.

I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

A masterpiece among Mr.

Children’s masterpieces that can move you to tears from the opening piano, “Dakishimetai.” It was released on December 1, 1992 as their second single.

It was also used as an insert song in the final episode of the 1996 Fuji TV drama Pure, for which their song “Namonaki Uta” served as the theme.

Vocalist Kazutoshi Sakurai wanted to create a love song that could be sung forever, and he ended up writing one of the few positive love songs in Mr.

Children’s catalog.

It’s a love song that offers comfort both to those who are in love now and to those who want to fall in love.

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Stop this nightJUJU

JUJU “Stop This Night for Me”

This is the 15th single by JUJU, a female singer with a diverse musical background spanning jazz, hip-hop, house, soul, R&B, and EDM.

She has earned high acclaim not only for her original songs but also for her covers of timeless classics.

The track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Guilty: The Woman Who Made a Pact with the Devil,” and the melancholic vocals and piano tones beautifully color the story told by the lyrics.

Many listeners will relate to the portrayal of someone who accepts the breakup as a fact but whose feelings can’t catch up.

It’s a heartrending breakup song that brings tears as it recalls a painful parting.

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Hoshino Takashi

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planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

This is the 10th single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who captivates with her cute looks and voice, released on September 21, 2005.

It’s her second biggest hit after her breakthrough song “Sakuranbo,” and it was also used as the image song for the TBS drama Hana Yori Dango starring Mao Inoue.

The track incorporates traditional Japanese elements—the shakuhachi in the intro evokes a sense of nostalgia.

The sound of fireworks is also used effectively in the background, expressing the bittersweet feeling of a love that blooms in a flash and fades away.

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A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu 'A Melody Instead of a Bouquet' MV (Full Size)

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, who naturally set his sights on a musical path growing up with a mother who ran a karaoke shop.

The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Designer Baby: Detective Hayami’s Tough Case Before Maternity Leave,” and its gentle, soulful vocals are so soothing.

The straightforward message to a loved one lets you vividly feel the happiness of being in love.

It’s a love song that warms your heart and might even bring you to tears.

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Hoshino Takashi

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