Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
“I feel a vague sense of anxiety and can’t find any energy.” “I’m struggling with my relationships.” Don’t you have times when you feel so down that you don’t know what to do?
All you want is to live immersed in simple happiness… but it’s so hard.
At times like that, rather than forcing yourself to grit your teeth and endure, it might actually be easier to stop pushing and let yourself cry it all out.
Here, I’ve put together a selection of classic Japanese songs that will stay close to your heart when you’re feeling unbearably blue.
I hope this article can be of help to you.
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Yami Song] A mental breakdown track that sings the true feelings of a melancholic heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [For High School Students] Melancholy Songs That Stay Close to Your Feelings [Tough Times]
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- [When You're Lonely] A Collection of Songs That Resonate With Those All Alone
- [Songs of Worries] Listening will gently lighten your heart. Masterpieces that speak for your feelings
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces that sing about loneliness: J-pop to listen to when you're alone
- [Cheering Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you’re troubled, lost, or feeling anxious
Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: Classic J-pop gems (11–20)
Even if it’s one of a kindkujira
That sudden sense of loneliness, the impatience that comes from comparing yourself to others.
KujiRa’s “Even If I’m an Only One” gives voice to those feelings that have nowhere to go.
Released digitally in July 2025, the track is also included as the coupling song on the CD single featuring the opening theme for the anime “Shabake.” The lyrics, which capture fragments of contemporary life, and the light yet somehow wistful melody slip right into your heart.
We all have those nights when we worry we’ll never become anyone at all, don’t we? In those moments, KujiRa’s distinctive choice of words is sure to gently loosen a heart grown stiff.
Playing dumbyurayura teikoku
Yura Yura Teikoku’s “Baka no Furi” wraps your gloomy mood in a languid, matter-of-fact melody.
It’s included on the 1994 album Yura Yura Teikoku II.
When you’re feeling down and don’t want to do anything, listening to this distinctive melody and vocals might let you truly laze the day away.
When you’re depressed, rest is important! If you’re having trouble relaxing, try taking a proper break with this track.
Just note that the band sound gets intense in the latter half, so after unwinding during the first half, use the second half to blow off some steam!
I bear a grudge.Nakajima Miyuki
A searing song that lays bare the pain of heartbreak.
Its lyrics delve deeply into a woman’s emotions, and together with Miyuki Nakajima’s powerful vocals, they stir the listener’s feelings.
A remastered version was released in March 2018 and included on the album “Ikite Itemo Ii Desu ka (Remaster).” It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the wounds of a broken heart or face your own feelings.
Why not let your tears flow and cleanse your heart as you listen to this track?
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
It’s a ballad whose shocking opening line makes everyone doubt their ears—and then captures their hearts.
Sung by Naotaro Moriyama, who frames the world from a unique perspective, this masterpiece lays bare both the pain and joy of living.
The lyrics, written by poet Ochanomizu Kazu around 1997, were turned into a song after Moriyama happened upon them.
Released in August 2008 as his 16th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for Shuto Iko, Osaka Isen, and Nagoya Isen.
Its paradoxical wording delivers a message that affirms “living,” one that should especially resonate with those carrying deep worries.
Rather than forcing yourself to be cheerful, why not listen quietly on a night when you want to face your heart with calm?
Black Sheepthe pillows
When you want to clear the haze in your heart, I recommend “Black Sheep” by the pillows.
Included on the 1998 album LITTLE BUSTERS, this track is woven solely from guitar and the vocals of Sawao Yamanaka throughout.
The lyrics depict a protagonist who wipes out everything that gnaws at a mind tangled by too many unpleasant events.
When something bad happens, it might be good to reset everything to zero, just like in this song.
Before your heart grows weary from overthinking, why not let this track give you the cue to hit reset?
I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika
One song by Mika Nakashima, who rose to fame in the 2000s, from 2013.
The lyrics evoke the idea of being hurt through people and being saved through people.
As one of the most popular singers, she will surely continue to thrive in the future.
Piercing songs to listen to when you're feeling blue: Classic Japanese tracks (21–30)
Family feat. KOHHhannya
This song candidly lays bare complex feelings toward family.
Hannya and KOHH’s personal experiences are deeply reflected, piercing the listener’s heart.
It’s included on the album “#Birthday,” released in July 2014.
The relationship with family is depicted frankly, including struggles with a father and love for a mother.
The two artists’ strong personalities blend together, making it a track that resonates not only with hip-hop fans but also with anyone grappling with family relationships.
Especially when you’re feeling blue, why not listen to this piece and face your own feelings?