[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.
- [2026] A Collection of Popular, Tear-Jerking Inspirational BGM
- Compilation of Sad BGM You've Heard Somewhere [Famous]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- A bittersweet song that trended on TikTok. A heart-wrenching ‘setsuna’ song.
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- This is the definitive BGM for the graduation ceremony! A moving collection of songs you can use for everything from the entrance march to the thank-you party.
- [Sad BGM] Music You Want to Listen to When You Feel Like Crying
- [For Work] Compilation of Tear-Jerking BGM Videos [Covers, etc.]
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- [Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Colorful coming-of-age songs perfect for autumn listening
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
[2026] Heart-Tightening, Bittersweet BGM | Compilation (21–30)
EpilogueNaisho no piasu
A heartbreak song that leaves a lingering, bittersweet aftertaste and touches the heart.
Composed by Naisho no Piasu and released in September 2024.
The lyrics, which depict a love that has come to an end like the final page of a story, read almost like a novel.
That world-building fits perfectly with the dramatic sound arrangement and KAFU’s earnest vocals.
Pay attention to the emotional swells that build gradually from the quiet intro.
It’s sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced a breakup.
A cover of songs to listen to when you can’t sleep or want to calm down
A collection of popular J-POP and Vocaloid songs covered as guitar-and-vocal performances, titled “Songs to Listen to When You Can’t Sleep or Want to Relax.” These BGM videos feature original tracks—normally built with lush, polished production—reinterpreted with only an acoustic guitar.
The warm guitar tone, paired with a sweet and gentle vocal, creates a soothing effect.
With added arrangements to the melodies and rhythms, it’s perfect for unwinding at night.
This cover medley gently wraps your sleepless hours.
Give it a listen as background music for your cozy time at home, too.
forget me notnoru
When you’re feeling anxious or lonely, we’d love for you to listen to “forget me not.” Noru handled both composition and arrangement, and it was created as free BGM.
The melody carries a somewhat serious atmosphere, yet you can also feel calm and gentleness at the same time.
It’s a dramatic piano sound that accompanies a wide range of listener emotions.
Built solely from piano in a simple, lyric-free instrumental, it’s sure to soothe you.
It’s also recommended for nighttime or for relaxing before bed.
Winter and Springback number
Back number’s stirring melodies and delicate vocals beautifully capture the emotions of moving on from heartbreak amid the transition from winter to spring.
Produced in January 2024, the piece was helmed by Masanori Shimada, who also produced “Suiheisen,” and the music video marks Iyori Shimizu’s first attempt at directing.
The use of snow-covered asphalt on the jacket symbolically expresses both the change of seasons and the transformation of the heart.
It’s a song that resonates with the pain of heartbreak—an experience shared by all—and the journey of recovery that follows, making it a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
existenceTENSONG
This is a heart-stirring song by TENSONG that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2020, the track was created by guitarist Takuman based on his real-life experience, carefully depicting the emotions of being trapped in memories while trying to take a new step forward.
Vocalist Takabo’s high-tone voice expresses those feelings beautifully, and the deeply resonant melody line leaves a strong impression.
The music video is an animated piece created by an illustrator who was their classmate and reached 1.8 million views in eight months.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who’ve experienced parting with someone important; we recommend listening to it alone on a quiet night.
Don’t push yourself anymore.Asa
Singer-songwriter ASA, whose highly empathetic lyrical world has been making waves under the tagline “songs for people who want to die.” Released for streaming on April 29, 2023, the track “Don’t Push Yourself Anymore” features a gently shaded yet soft vocal delivery that leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics, which express feelings for those who relentlessly drive themselves to the edge, may offer a message that lightens the heart for people who get through each day by suppressing their true selves.
It’s a sentimental number whose delicate ensemble resonates deeply.
ALONEB’z
This is a ballad that lets you fully immerse yourself in its heartrending lyrics and melody.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Hotel Woman,” it was released in October 1991 and drew a huge response, including topping the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks.
It portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, while starting a new life, finds themselves remembering a former lover—something that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or parting from someone dear.
At B’z concerts, it’s apparently customary to end by singing it together with the audience.