Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I think it’s quite common that listening to songs tied in with anime makes you recall the work they’re from.
If the story was a sad one, hearing the song can leave you feeling wistful.
Here, I’ve picked out some Japanese pop songs—melancholic anime tracks—that evoke that feeling.
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Masterpieces of wistful anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (81–90)
HeyFujita Maiko
It’s the opening theme of the anime “Hiiro no Kakera.” The song is by Maiko Fujita, a singer-songwriter from Aichi Prefecture, and it was released in 2012 as her seventh single.
The ethereal sound pairs beautifully with her delicate vocals, and that alone makes your heart tighten.
The lyrics express overflowing feelings for someone you can’t meet no matter how much you think of them, which really hits home.
It’s recommended both as a heartbreak song and as a song for unrequited love.
Ephemeral Fireworkssupercell
It’s a bittersweet breakup song that brings back memories of a summer festival you once went to with a lover.
Created by the creator unit supercell, whose popularity took off from their activity on Niconico Douga, it was released as their third single in 2010.
It served as an ending theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.
The gentle piano tones feel as if they slowly seep into the depths of your heart.
The lyrics—expressing a yearning to return to those happy days and a regret of ever falling in love—really hit home.
Lost my musicsuzumiya haruhi (hirano aya)
A presence that meant more than anything has vanished.
This breakup song channels that sense of loss into a powerful sound, leaving you feeling positive by the time it ends.
It was used as an insert song in the anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and is sung by Aya Hirano, who played the lead role.
Perhaps because of its high-energy style, you can really feel the desire to deliver these feelings to you.
It’s a great pick not only as an anime song, but also for fans of classic rock.
I fell in loveaiko
Speaking of aiko, she has many pop, catchy love songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening.
This song is the theme song for the film A Silent Voice.
The lyrics, woven by aiko’s wistful, melancholy vocals, make your heart feel tightly squeezed.
We are!kitadani hiroshi
It’s an upbeat opening song.
I think these positive lyrics tell us that there’s still hope ahead.
It delivers an encouraging message and is the kind of song that can lift your spirits even after a heartbreak.