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 poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Liar MoonYorushika

It is a ballad marked by the quiet melody of the piano and Suis’s gentle vocals.
Through vivid depictions of scenes in the rain and the symbolic image of drinking down moonlight, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they face loss and loneliness.
Produced in June 2020 as the ending song for the Netflix feature-length animated film A Whisker Away, the piece was composed by Yorushika’s n-buna to reflect the film’s worldview while capturing the atmosphere from spring to early summer.
It is a song that will deeply resonate with those who wish to relive a fragile yet beautiful page of youth, as well as those who have experienced parting with someone dear.
Masterpieces of bittersweet anime songs: Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
Orphan HachiIshikawa Hitomi

When it comes to heartbreaking anime songs, nothing beats this one: Hitomi Ishikawa’s “Minashigo Hatchi.” It’s the opening theme for the well-known and beloved anime “Minashigo Hatch.” I’m sure many people shed tears listening to this song while watching the show.
Orange7!!

This is a song that was used as the ending theme for the anime Your Lie in April.
Its sound sparkles and at first listen it comes across as very upbeat, but the lyrics portray a bittersweet love.
Before you know it, it’s the kind of piece that brings you to the verge of tears.
Our WorldCooRie

This is a song included on the soundtrack of the animated film “AURA: Koga Maryuin’s Last War.” From the very beginning it’s suffused with melancholy, and the piano’s timbre really resonates in the heart.
It pairs beautifully with rino’s clear soprano voice, the vocalist of the music unit CooRie.
ContrastTOMOO

Woven together with a simple piano tone, this moving song showcases TOMOO’s delicate emotional expression.
It carefully depicts the uniquely adolescent swings of feeling, vividly portraying the interplay of conflicting emotions.
With an intimacy akin to reading a diary, it gently traces the subtleties of a heart in love.
Released in January 2024 and chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the TV anime Ao no Hako, the track aligns beautifully with the anime’s world, adding depth to the story.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to empathize with the feeling of being in love or sink into memories of their youth.
youyuzuki

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak.
Yuzuki’s clear, high vocals are so beautiful and truly resonate with the heart.
The slow, gentle melody pairs with the wistful, fragile lyrics and brings tears to your eyes.
Goodbye, your voiceMisato Aki

This song honestly makes me cry uncontrollably.
Among Aki Misato’s tracks, I’d say it’s easily in her top three.
The vocals and the way it builds into the chorus are outstanding.
It’s a song I absolutely want you to listen to when you’ve had your heart broken.
It will surely pierce your heart.


