[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)
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
“Time goes by” is the eighth single by Every Little Thing, released in 1998.
Already a popular group at the time, Every Little Thing released it as a ballad, and it became a massive hit that is considered one of their signature songs.
Its appeal lies in the poignant lyrics depicting a breakup and the clear, pure voice of vocalist Kaori Mochida.
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
A signature song by KANA-BOON that resonates in the hearts of anyone carrying a bittersweet love.
It was popular even during their indie days and became the springboard for their major-label debut.
The lyrics delicately portray wavering emotions, perfectly matched with a catchy melody.
Released in April 2013, its music video featuring Yukino Kishii also drew attention.
Recommended for those troubled by the gap between ideals and reality, as well as older adults grappling with love.
This work possesses a universal appeal that deeply moves listeners with rich life experience.
[2026] Heart-wrenching, tightening-in-the-chest BGM | Compilation (31–40)
Until I hold you in my arms.MIMI
Without even realizing it, you bottle up your feelings… I bet there are quite a few people like that.
This song gently tells you, “It’s okay.” It’s by MIMI, a Vocaloid producer known for hits like “Kū ni Naru,” and it was released in 2022.
The track is arranged only with vocals, piano, and strings, which makes every word of the lyrics sink in even deeper.
It feels like someone coming to sit beside you and slowly rubbing your back.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling tired.
OverMr.Children
A masterpiece that portrays the ache and renewal of a bittersweet love.
Featured on the album “Atomic Heart,” this song delicately expresses the sorrow of heartbreak.
Even within its sentimentality, the chorus lyrics look forward, symbolizing a resolve to move past the pain.
Mr.Children’s profound lyrics and wistful melody deeply resonate with listeners who have experienced the sting of lost love.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to reflect on a painful relationship or need the courage to move on.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
This moving song was chosen as the theme for the film “From Lageri With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
Its lyrics carry a straightforward message that links with the film’s worldview: no matter how deep the despair, never give up—hold on to even the smallest hope.
The grand, expansive sound and the powerful, soaring vocals are deeply stirring.
It’s a track that reminds us of our own worth—unique, irreplaceable, and profoundly precious—something we tend to forget when we go through hard times.
evening primroseNovelbright
A song by the five-piece rock band Novelbright, known for their strikingly clear high-tone vocals.
The melancholy piano tones and band sound add an even more heartrending hue to the story told in the lyrics.
The complex emotions felt after parting with someone precious are conveyed through a delicate melodic line.
Released in December 2020 as a digital-only single, the track was also selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” in February.
It’s an emotional piece you’ll want to listen to when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or reminisce about someone important.
HeartacheONE OK ROCK
A beautiful, ephemeral heartbreak song from ONE OK ROCK.
The lyrics dwell relentlessly on lingering feelings for a past lover, and just reading them makes your chest tighten.
Taka’s heartbreakingly poignant voice, which spins such straightforward love, seeps deeper and deeper into our hearts as listeners.
The lyrics blend English and Japanese, so try parsing not only the Japanese parts but the English ones as well.
Precisely because they usually play intense rock numbers, a gentle, relaxed song like this also comes across as deeply compelling.
