Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

Set to a melody woven with traditional Japanese elements, Ai Otsuka’s song features poignant lyrics that resonate deeply.

It reflects on a lost love and portrays the resolve to look forward while embracing past memories.

Used as an insert track and image song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers,” it was released in September 2005.

This piano-based ballad showcases Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals.

It is included on the album “LOVE COOK” and the best-of compilation “Ai am BEST,” and continues to be beloved by many fans.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to savor the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end or reminisce about special moments with someone important.

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who has captured attention with his sophisticated musicality and continues to evolve even now.

His eighth major single, written as the theme song for the TV drama “Unnatural,” is the track that made his name known to a wide audience.

Centered on the theme of parting and sorrow with a loved one, the lyrics use the scent of lemons as a symbol, resonating deeply with many listeners.

Since its digital release in February 2018, it has topped numerous charts and can truly be called a masterpiece that will go down in J-pop history.

It’s a song you should listen to if you’ve experienced heartbreak or farewells, or when you want to remember someone special.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who has released numerous masterpieces with his distinctive falsetto and emotional vocals.

Written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World,” the ballad made history by becoming the first movie tie-in to top the Oricon year-end chart in 2004.

Its heartrending melody and aching, sentimental lyrics may bring you to tears on their own.

With soulful yet crystalline high notes, this stirring track is highly recommended for anyone who wants a good cry.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A life spent feeling like a mistake begins to find meaning through a meeting with someone precious.

Imbued with such a bittersweet yet warm message, this work is a gemlike ballad created by two extraordinarily talented artists, Masaki Suda and Kenshi Yonezu.

Kenshi Yonezu wrote and composed the song especially for Suda, pursuing a piece that could only be expressed through his voice.

Released digitally in May 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” and is included on the album “LOVE.” When you are suffering from self-denial or inferiority, or when you are lost in life’s choices, this song will surely stay close to your heart.

revolutionMOROHA

MOROHA “Revolution” MV (Director: Isao Yukisada, from MOROHA BEST ~Ten-Year Re-recordings~)

A MOROHA song that urges positive change, infused with a powerful challenge to how we face ourselves and how we live.

Afro’s fiery rap and UK’s delicate acoustic guitar playing speak deeply to the listener’s heart.

It’s included on the album MOROHA II, released in November 2013, and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama Miyamoto kara Kimi e (From Miyamoto to You).

The lyrics candidly express the frustrations of everyday life and a thirst for change, resonating with many people.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to confront yourself or take a new step forward.

I want to see you.nowisee

nowisee 'I Want to See You' #12/24 (Full Version)

A song by nowisee that expresses a yearning for lost love.

Released in July 2016, it is included on the August 2016 album “Tenohira no Sensō” (“The War in the Palm”).

It features a distinctive sound that fuses elements of electronica and post-rock, wrapped in a mysterious atmosphere.

The music video—made with ten thousand sparklers—stands as a testament to nowisee’s dedication to visual expression.

The lyrics, depicting a heart resisting the passage of time and a wish for reunion, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a track we recommend to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting from someone dear, as a chance to begin sorting out their feelings.

Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry

Acid Black Cherry “Fuyu no Maboroshi” MV

This is one of Acid Black Cherry’s signature ballads, depicting a poignant winter scene and a lost love.

Yasu’s overwhelming vocal power and solid timbre resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2008 as their fourth single, it received high acclaim, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon daily chart.

Characterized by a melodious UK rock-style arrangement enriched with strings, its lyrics—based on letters sent by fans—convey both the sorrow of losing a lover and the resolve to keep living.

It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced the loss of someone dear or find their hearts stirred during the winter season.