[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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[2026] Heart-twisting, poignant BGM | Compilation (51–60)
The sky is fallingmizuumo
This is a song that tightens the heart and stirs a bittersweet ache.
Released by Suiun in May 2024, it’s marked by a strikingly transparent melodic line.
Through poetic words, it weaves the anxieties and loneliness of daily life and the inner struggle that sways between ideals and reality.
It’s a work that anyone standing at a crossroads in life can relate to, leaving a deep afterglow.
Please take your time and really listen to it.
beloved personShio Reira
A song filled with heart-stirring poignancy.
Leira Shio’s gentle yet powerful vocals leave a strong impression.
It’s a heartbreaking love song that portrays two people drifting apart because of their different ways of expressing love.
Included on the first EP “No one” released in August 2024 and used as BGM for the dating reality show “Kimi to Ookami-kun ni wa Damasarenai,” this track is recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or a breakup, or who are struggling with their current relationship.
Why not listen to this song and honestly embrace the complex emotions within you? You’ll surely discover something new.
homesicknessAmacha no Ongaku Koubou
Featuring an emotion-stirring melody, “Bokyō” (Longing for Home) is a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
Created by the music resource site “Amacha’s Music Workshop,” run by composer Amacha, the track has been widely embraced by creators in online videos and is often used to enhance moving scenes.
Beginning with a melody brimming with poignancy and building toward a hope-filled finale, its progression feels as if it lifts listeners out of sadness and hardship.
Played during work or study, it can calm the mind and help you focus more deeply on the task at hand.
junkYonezu Kenshi
A song that weaves a tender melody with a heartrending emotion that shakes you to your core.
Created by Kenshi Yonezu with his own experiences in mind, the piece carefully portrays broken relationships and lonely hearts.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Last Mile,” it is included on the album “LOST CORNER,” released in August 2024.
The lyrics reflect a sense of childhood loneliness and memories of not fitting in, carrying the message that “it’s okay to be broken.” It’s a track that stands beside those who have gone through heartbreak and separation, whose hearts feel like they might shatter.
Even while holding onto your wounds, it gives you the courage to keep facing forward and live on.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter with remarkable range.
Featured on his third album, Bremen, this track stands out for its brilliant lyrics that liken the aching feelings after a breakup to a metronome.
The gentle melody and wistful atmosphere beautifully capture the sorrow of lost love.
Released in October 2015, it’s a pivotal song that reflects the evolution of Yonezu’s musical style.
With few large interval jumps, it’s easy to sing and recommended even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
It’s a moving masterpiece to listen to when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or reflect on someone dear to you.