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

Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

This is a widely beloved song that is often performed at graduation ceremonies.

Its lyrics vividly depict the scene of cherry blossoms fluttering in the air, leaving a strong impression and beautifully capturing the springtime atmosphere where farewells and new encounters intersect.

The band absorb first released it online in February 2008, and it was issued as their major-label debut single in November of the same year.

It was adapted into a novel in 2012, and into a film starring Maika Yamamoto in 2016, among other cross-media developments.

It’s a recommended track for those about to take a new step forward or those who want to look back on cherished memories with close friends.

When cherry-blossom hues danceNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima 'Sakurairo Maukoro' Music Video

A classic song that overlays the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms with the bittersweetness of spring and memories of love.

The delicate piano and string arrangement strikingly highlights Mika Nakashima’s deep vocals.

While accepting partings and change, it beautifully expresses the yearning for eternity alongside the scenes of cherry blossoms, a hallmark of spring in Japan.

Released in February 2005, this work was also included on the album “MUSIC” in March of the same year.

With its straightforward emotional expression and lyrical melody line, it’s a moving piece—highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the poignant feelings that come with the arrival of spring.

ElegyBONNIE PINK

BONNIE PINK – Elegy

A gem of a ballad where a quiet melody and deep prayer resonate.

With BONNIE PINK’s gentle vocals and a softly moving melody, this piece was newly written as the ending theme for the 2022 hibakusha documentary films “for you: Hito no Tame ni” and “Ikiru FROM NAGASAKI.” Featured on the album “Infinity,” it carries a powerful message that, while reflecting on life’s doubts and inner conflicts, weaves a thread of hope for the future.

Crafted by Ovall’s bassist-producer, its refined sound—where piano and guitar blend beautifully—is another highlight.

Perfect for calm twilight hours or quiet moments spent deepening thoughts of someone dear, this song will gently bring a tender light to your heart.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.

The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.

Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.

The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Wintersumika

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

A song that beautifully portrays the changing of the four seasons, which gained attention as the theme song for the animated film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.

Released by sumika in August 2018, this slow ballad features a warmly resonant acoustic guitar, and the delicate emotions depicted across spring, summer, autumn, and winter deeply move the listener.

Along with the shifting seasons, memories with a loved one and farewells are depicted, and the hope that leads into the next spring is expressed through gentle vocals and melody.

Its beautiful, heartrending lyrics—echoing the film’s story—are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

sentimentalculenasm

culenasm “Sentimental” (Official Music Video)

Culenasm’s song delivers sentimental feelings with raw emotion.

It’s a shoegaze number where roaring guitars resonate beautifully.

Released digitally on February 5, 2025, the track centers on themes of regret over past relationships and the bittersweet wish to return to those moments.

Through its guitar sound, it expresses both the beauty of memories and the ache of regret.

In December 2023, they also provided the theme song for director Hideki Noda’s film “Futari no Kizuato” (The Scars of Two).

It’s a recommended listen for anyone looking to confront past memories and emotions as graduation season approaches.

Shizuku (feat. indigo la End)yama

yama 'Shizuku (prod. indigo la End)' Music Video

This gem of a song weaves a warmly resonant melody with lyrics full of deep sensitivity.

Delicately portraying an intimate exchange of hearts with a loved one, it harmonizes yama’s translucent vocals with indigo la End’s gentle tones to beautiful effect.

It tenderly expresses how someone, burdened by a heavy heart, finds solace in another’s presence, and it deeply resonates with listeners.

Released in February 2025 as an advance track from the album ‘; semicolon’, the song drew considerable attention.

It carefully threads the protagonist’s shifting emotions and feelings for someone dear, making it a piece that stays close to you in moments of loneliness or when you find yourself thinking of someone special.