[2026] A collection of heart-wrenching BGM that makes your chest tighten
When you hear “melancholic BGM,” what comes to mind?
For generations older than Millennials, it probably evokes background music that simply tightens the chest with emotion.
But for Gen Z, in addition to that image, they might also picture melancholic BGM with a cute, endearing quality.
In fact, on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, you often see videos that pair deadpan, absurd mishaps with melancholic background music.
This time, we’ve selected melancholic BGM for a wide range of situations—from the kind you’d hear on social media to the kind that simply tugs at your heartstrings.
Be sure to check them out.
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- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
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- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
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[2026] A Collection of Heart-Tightening, Bittersweet BGM | Compilation (61–70)
Touhou Arrangement Medley
A BGM video produced based on music used in the Touhou Project, which spans various media such as games, books, and music CDs.
It unfolds with grand melodies that evoke a fantastical world.
Many of the tracks are rooted in “wa” (traditional Japanese aesthetics), so some listeners may feel a sense of nostalgia.
The ambient sounds, which pair beautifully with natural scenery, are soothing to the soul.
This BGM video is also recommended for those looking for music to relax to during leisurely downtime or to use as nighttime sleep BGM.
Beautiful and sad piano music
When it comes to BGM videos that make you feel nostalgic for your original landscape and bring you to the verge of tears, “Beautiful and Sad Piano Music” comes to mind.
The simple, beautiful tones of the piano carry a certain nostalgic atmosphere.
Its melodies evoke rich natural scenery, making it perfect for listening with your eyes closed and relaxing at home.
It’s soothing music that helps you regain a pure heart when you’re tired from work or school or feeling anxious.
Give it a listen when stress builds up and you want a good cry, or when you want to calmly focus on your tasks.
A gentle music box for the heartBGM maker
The video “Gentle Music Box for the Heart” is perfect as BGM for sleep or for a relaxing evening.
It features music created with music boxes, whose mechanically crafted, gentle tones resonate softly.
Composed solely of music box sounds, this soothing music is recommended for anyone who’s been thinking, “I haven’t been sleeping well lately…” On nights when complete silence feels too lonely or anxiety-inducing, its calm timbre will gently lull you to sleep.
It’s also great for moments of stress relief, like stretching or taking a bath.
Why not let yourself be soothed by melodies that tenderly embrace the time before you drift off?
Beautiful and heartrending, fantasy-style musicBGM maker
This BGM video, which evokes fantastical cityscapes and scenery, features “beautiful yet bittersweet fantasy music.” It was produced by a BGM maker known for creating numerous original tracks.
The beautifully melancholic piano tones resonate, inviting listeners to imagine a story with depth.
From dawn to the dark of night, its ambient sound is versatile and fitting for any scene.
It’s a BGM video that lets you forget everyday fatigue and stress and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy.
It’s also recommended to listen while picturing beautiful landscapes.
PV_EmotionalPeriTune
PV_Emotional resonates with a beautiful melody blending piano and strings.
It was produced by PeriTune, a site that provides free music materials.
Characterized by an emotional sound that grows from simple timbres into a dramatic development, it evokes scenes of vast landscapes unfolding before your eyes.
The track conveys the breath and momentum of life, as if setting off toward a brand-new future.
It will give you courage when you’re taking on something new or when you want to move forward.
Listen to the clear, uplifting melody that will brighten your heart.
shooting starmoppī saundo
When it comes to grand, dramatic pieces that spark the imagination, “Nagareboshi” comes to mind.
Composed by MoppySound, it’s offered as free BGM.
Its hallmark is a piano timbre that seems to portray emotions both beautiful and fleeting.
As the piece unfolds, the evolving sound evokes an image of hope spreading outward.
The dynamic contrasts in the piano performance reveal many shades of expression.
It’s also recommended listening for solitary or anxious nights—why not play it while gazing at the stars or the moon in the night sky?
Shine brighterSakuramochi Runa
“Shine Brighter,” produced by Sakura Mochi Luna, who also works as a Vocaloid producer.
A bittersweet yet beautiful melody resonates, evoking moving scenes from a story.
The fresh piano sound that gently envelops the strings is also striking.
The mid-track tempo lift conveys a message about living positively.
Even without lyrics, this free BGM is emotionally stirring, expressing both aching hearts and inner strength.
It’s highly recommended for times when you feel lonely or want someone’s support.