Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
Have you ever thought, “If they play a song at my own funeral, I’d like it to be this one”? Some of you may also have felt, “I want to send off someone precious to me with this song.” In this article, we’ve gathered songs that are perfect for playing at your own funeral or for expressing gratitude to those who have supported you until now.
From massive hits to little-known gems, we’ve selected a wide range of tracks.
If you’re looking for music to color a final farewell, please use this as a reference.
- [Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- [Memorial Song] A moving classic and love song dedicated to a beloved person embarking on a journey to heaven
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
- Masterpieces of requiems and dirges
- Songs that Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Celebrating the Wonder of Living
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
Songs to Play at My Funeral | Timeless Gems to Color Your Farewell in Your Own Way (21–30)
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
This is the third single by singer Rimi Natsukawa, who won the Grand Prix at the Nagasaki Kayō Festival during her junior high school years, becoming the youngest winner in history.
Renowned for a voice said to have the power to heal, she has performed numerous classic songs.
Originally a song by Ryoko Moriyama, it has since been covered by many artists after Rimi Natsukawa’s rendition.
The lyrics, which look back on memories with a loved one, are enough to move both those departing and those left behind to tears.
Embracing sadness and loneliness alike, it’s a number that gently adorns a funeral, etching memories of the individual into the heart.
contrailArai Yumi
A song by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai—affectionately known as Yuming—who now performs under the name Yumi Matsutoya.
It is the title track of her first album, “Hikoukigumo” (Vapor Trail), and regained the spotlight forty years later when it was used as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s 2013 film The Wind Rises.
The lyrics link the fleeting nature of a vapor trail—brilliantly coloring the sky yet destined to disappear—with the fragility of life, prompting us to once again feel the presence of those who truly lived.
Its gentle melody and soft arrangement envelop the space, making it a comforting number suitable even for a funeral.
Songs to Play at My Funeral: Exquisite Masterpieces to Color Your Farewell in Your Own Way (31–40)
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, the only solo artist to achieve the extraordinary feat of topping the singles chart across four decades—from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, it is widely known across generations thanks to numerous cover versions by many artists.
Its lyrics, which make you believe that even if we part in this life we will meet again someday, leave a positive message that will resonate with attendees.
True to its title, it is a timeless masterpiece that ensures a funeral does not end in sadness alone, remaining unfaded even as the times change.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
This is the 304th single by Misora Hibari, a singer who reigned as the queen of the Showa-era music scene and also thrived as an actress and entrepreneur.
It was the last single she released during her lifetime, and having been selected as one of the One Hundred Best Japanese Songs, it remains beloved across generations.
Its message, depicting the grand flow of life, evokes the image of reaching completion at a funeral—the final destination.
It’s a fitting number to mark the end of a life, with those left behind sending you off as they reflect on their memories with you.
Always With MeKimura Yumi
This is the debut single by Osaka-born singer Yumi Kimura, who soothes fans’ hearts with her gentle, self-accompanied vocals on the lyre-like instrument known as the lyre.
Chosen as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, its airy arrangement featuring a distinctive timbre is wonderfully comforting.
Though it speaks of present sadness, its message that we will meet again someday seems to wipe away the grief of those left behind and gently encourage them.
It’s a song that tenderly envelops a funeral space, evoking the wishes of the departed and the resolve of those who remain.
existenceWANIMA
This is a gem-like ballad by WANIMA, woven with deep gratitude and love for a grandmother.
Inspired by member KENTA’s experiences of being raised by his grandmother from childhood, the song vividly depicts memories from a seaside town.
Its mid-tempo melody and heartfelt vocals richly express warm feelings toward someone precious.
Released in March 2025, the track was written for Flower Gift Service “Hana Cupid” and used as the theme song for their Mother’s Day campaign commercial.
The CM featuring Shohei Miura drew attention as well, and the song has garnered notice as the band’s first ballad-style track.
It’s a piece I wholeheartedly recommend to those carrying the sorrow of losing someone dear or wishing to convey gratitude to the precious people in their lives today.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
This is the 24th single by the legendary singer Momoe Yamaguchi, who, despite being the top record-selling artist in the 1970s kayōkyoku scene, retired at the height of her popularity.
The song was produced for a Japan National Railways travel promotion campaign and became her biggest hit, achieving million-seller status in total sales.
Its wistful lyrics and melody may evoke even deeper emotion in the special setting of a funeral.
A timeless classic known to everyone, it colors the day of departure, carrying memories of those left behind.