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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.

Masterpieces of bittersweet anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)

Pointillism Song (feat. Sonoko Inoue)Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE captivates listeners with their overwhelming expressive power.

This song, included on their single “Ao to Natsu” released in August 2018, was produced with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

As an insert track for the film “Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi,” it depicts the story of a man and a woman sensing an impending farewell at summer’s end.

The swelling emotions despite knowing time is limited, and the frustration of being unable to hold hands, are conveyed achingly through their two voices.

You can almost see memories piling up like scattered points before your eyes.

When you’re troubled by a love that can’t be, or on a sentimental night, listening to it will gently stay close to that helpless feeling.

lampSoshi Sakiyama

Soushi Sakiyama / Akari [Official Music Video]
Soshi Tomosakiyama

Starting with the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar and expanding into a majestic sound, Soushi Sakiyama’s song was released in July 2023 as the ending theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

The piece weaves together the protagonist’s inner conflict, regrets, and longing for lost ideals with a tranquil melody, delicately portraying emotions swaying between ideal and reality.

In August 2023, it was also included on the album “i Fureru SAD UFO,” capturing the hearts of many listeners.

The intertwining of tenderness and poignancy in the vocals, along with the beautiful melodic lines, has the power to evoke deep emotion and empathy, making it a recommended choice to sing in a calm karaoke setting.

RE:I AMAimer

RE: I AM / Aimer covered by Inui Toko
RE:I AMAimer

A grand rock ballad chosen as the ending theme for episode 6 of the OVA Mobile Suit Gundam UC.

Its striking lyrics portray the feelings of people striving to move forward despite deep sorrow and loss caused by war, beginning with a heartfelt call to a loved one who has been lost and expressing a strong will to find hope.

Released in March 2013, it was also a milestone for Aimer, becoming her first single to enter the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart top 10.

This is a highly recommended song for those facing life’s hardships, conveying that the small hopes found in everyday life can serve as signposts to the future.

Masterpieces of melancholic anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)

The Last Petal (The Meaning of Love)EGOIST

A song by EGOIST that tenderly sings of a bittersweet yet warm bond, as if overlaying the true meaning of love upon the last petal as it falls.

With its otherworldly piano melody and Chelly’s delicate yet resolute vocals, it portrays the preciousness of love that shines precisely because it has an end.

Released in April 2020 to celebrate vocalist Chelly’s birthday, this track also showcases a new side of the unit through a collaboration with Korean creator M2U.

On a night when you want to reflect on your relationship with someone important, listening to this piece may quietly lead you to recognize a steadfast form of love.

single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu

A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses fierce passion with fleeting poignancy.

Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, this work powerfully conveys a pure, unwavering love.

Its devoted resolve—to sacrifice everything for the one you love—is portrayed through a dynamic progression that shakes the listener to the core.

It’s also striking how the relationship between the film’s protagonists, Yuta Okkotsu and Rika Orimoto, is sublimated into a uniquely crafted lyrical world.

An undying classic that resonates deeply with anyone in love.

SparkleRADWIMPS

Sparkle [original ver.] -Your Name. Music Video edition- Trailer from the new album “Ningen Kaika” First Press Limited Edition DVD
Sparkle RADWIMPS

This is a song that was used as an insert track in the film “Your Name.” The first half gives a very simple and quiet impression, but as it progresses it becomes grand and powerful, which is really cool.

Pay attention to the very moving lyrics.

Boogie BackMiyu Inoue

This is the ending theme of the Universe Survival Arc from the 2017 broadcast of the anime Dragon Ball Super, which became a hot topic thanks to the major breakthrough of then-newcomer Miyu Inoue.

Released in April of the same year as her memorable debut single, it sings of a bittersweet love set against the backdrop of the city streets.

The strong desire to see the one you love once more rides on her voice and reaches straight to the heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re looking back on the past yet hoping for the courage to step into tomorrow.