A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.

The final goodbye.riria.

Riria. / The Last Bye-Bye [Music Video]

It’s a heartrending break-up song that really tugs at the heart.

Riria’s clear, translucent voice gently wraps around a love grown cold over LINE.

Released in December 2023, the track frankly sings of the exhaustion that comes from waiting.

The lyrics resonate deeply with anyone struggling in a one-sided relationship.

This piece fully showcases the talent of Riria, who also voiced the heroine in the film Bubble.

It’s a must-listen not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who has experienced parting with someone important.

indigoSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch “Indigo” Live at Asylum Chapel (South London) / SUKIMASWITCH Ai Live at Asylum Chapel (South London)

A delicate ballad by Sukima Switch that intricately portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Released in November 2006, this song is said to have been completed after as many as ten rewrites.

It expresses the complexities of romance through a wordplay between “ai” (love) and “ai” (indigo), resonating deeply with listeners.

Also included on the anniversary best album “SUKIMASWITCH 20th Anniversary BEST ‘POPMAN’S WORLD -Second-’,” the track is highly regarded by fans.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on nights after a breakup or when parting from someone important.

Sukima Switch’s delicate vocals are sure to stay close to your heart.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song by Takaya Kawasaki portrays the farewell of graduation.

Released in January 2021, it expresses the bittersweet feelings of a graduation ceremony by likening them to cherry blossom petals and a rabbit.

The emotions of the protagonist, who cannot convey their feelings to the one they love, are depicted alongside scenes of a quiet classroom and falling cherry blossoms, tightening the listener’s chest.

Also included on the album “Calendar,” this piece resonates even more deeply during graduation season.

Kawasaki’s gentle voice and beautiful melody softly wrap your own memories of graduation.

DecemberMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – December

A poignant winter ballad by Naotaro Moriyama that lets December’s cold air seep into your heart.

On a late night as the snow begins to fall and the windowpane turns milky white with fog, you can picture the protagonist recalling a former lover.

The song conveys the aching feeling of holding on to an unwavering love for someone who has likely forgotten their promise.

Originally released digitally in 2005, it was later included on the 2016 best-of album “Daikessakusén,” marking its first appearance on CD.

Moriyama’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop the listener’s heart.

It’s a recommended track for those wishing to soothe the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in memories of someone special.

to echo; to reverberateSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Resonance'

A song that delicately depicts a bittersweet love.

Masaki Suda’s clear, transparent voice beautifully expresses the sorrow for lost time and the hope for the future.

Released digitally in January 2024, this track was written as the theme song for the film “Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni: FINAL” (The Last Chapter).

Produced by Suda himself, it masterfully captures the film’s worldview through music.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

Especially recommended for those who have lost someone important, or who now stand at a crossroads in life.

It offers a gentle warmth that stays close to your heart and the courage to look ahead.

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

Fujii Kaze’s ballad, with its poignant melody highlighted by gentle piano tones, beautifully depicts the transience of life and the feelings we hold for those dear to us.

Written as the theme song for the film “She Is Me in Spring,” released in March 2024, the piece powerfully speaks to the importance of letting go—of parting from a loved one and releasing attachment.

It delicately weaves the subtle shifts of the heart over time, posing a quiet resolve to face life’s impermanence.

The music video, directed by Tomokazu Yamada, symbolically explores the essence of love and life, with Fujii Kaze playing a dual role as both an elderly man and a young man.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to calmly reflect on yourself or immerse yourself in memories with someone special.

I stillmilet

milet “I still” Music Video (Theme song for the film ‘Unknown Girlfriend’)

A gem-like love ballad by milet, known for a voice where aching tenderness and strength intertwine, beautifully capturing the emotions of the character she portrays in the film.

Its richly emotive melody weaves together a yearning for eternal love and the anxieties that come with it, while lyrics that speak of unwavering, straightforward affection resonate deeply.

Written as the theme song for the film “The Girlfriend I Don’t Know,” slated for release in February 2025, the track will debut on streaming platforms in January 2025, followed by a CD single release in February.

It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on your morning commute, on your way home at night, or while thinking of someone special.