[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-wrenching, tightening-in-the-chest BGM | Compilation (31–40)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
You can fall in love by yourself, but you can’t be in a relationship alone—that’s what I felt listening to this song.
The lyrics’ worldview, which makes you think, “If we’d met in a different situation, could we have had a different kind of relationship…?” is heartbreaking yet captivating.
The acoustic version brings me to tears all over again.
I miss youRADWIMPS
This is a song whose expressive vocals and heartrending lyrics strike the heart.
It is included on RADWIMPS’s album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1 = 10 years 10 songs,” released in March 2021.
Issued on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the piece is imbued with a deep longing for loved ones who were lost.
The repeated phrase “I want to see you” runs throughout, conveying a sense of loss and lingering attachment.
Its simple, gentle guitar tone is striking, making it a track that resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, or who are living with a longing for someone.
It’s a song that echoes in the heart—please give it a listen.
Nightmare of the Galactic CitySEKAI NO OWARI
A song imbued with poignant, profound emotion portrays the struggles and hopes of life.
Within its dreamy, melancholic atmosphere, it gives voice to the pain of the gap between reality and ideals, powerfully resonating with listeners.
Included on the album “Tree,” released in January 2015, this track fully expresses SEKAI NO OWARI’s unique worldview.
In live performances, visually captivating production enchants many fans.
When you want to face the feelings deep within your heart, why not give this song a listen?
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
When it’s hard to get over heartbreak, music can give you strength, right? “Cinderella Boy” is a poignant number that puts into words the indescribable feelings between lovers.
Released in 2021 by the rock band Saucy Dog, its music video—told through illustrations—is striking.
Warm guitar tones melt into the mid-tempo track, moving listeners deeply.
The lyrics vividly depict small, everyday moments, making it impossible not to relate.
It’s a song that resonates with anyone carrying an inexpressible sorrow.
Once moreTani Yuuki
A heartfelt song that stays close to you through farewells with loved ones and the hardships of everyday life.
Tani Yuuki’s vocals rise above the fears and struggles of the pandemic to sing of hope for the future.
Released in September 2022, the track drew huge attention after its chorus was previewed on TikTok.
In the music video, a story that unfolds from microscopic cells to a grand scale is beautifully synchronized with the song’s message.
The message—“Let’s take each other’s hands once more and move forward together”—will resonate with those who feel lonely or have experienced parting from someone dear.
Listening to this song will gently turn sorrow into a more positive outlook.
[2026] Heart-tightening, bittersweet BGM | Compilation (41–50)
lost itemVaundy
A superbly bittersweet pop song whose melodies and lyrics evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and empathy.
Released in 2022, it was also featured in a new McDonald’s commercial.
In a long life, there are scenes of tears that stay with you, aren’t there? Sometimes you want to gather up the feelings you’re afraid you might forget.
In those moments, the message—It’s okay to cry your heart out, and if you can smile at the end, that’s enough—brings tears to your eyes.
By the time the song ends, it’s the kind of track that makes you feel like living earnestly in your own clumsy way.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
It’s a single by the all-girl rock band ZONE, released in 2001.
The sound features a very straightforward arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, yet it’s sprinkled with elements that strongly captivate the listener.
In particular, the intro phrase feels like opening a music box and looking back on memories, instantly drawing you into the song’s world.
Even if you haven’t experienced exactly what the lyrics describe, the track evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia that brings past events vividly back to life.
