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A wonderful, moving song

A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.

When your heart is weary or wounded, you may find yourself wanting to listen to moving songs and sink into a pensive mood.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of poignant and touching Japanese songs that are perfect for just such moments.

Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (81–90)

In that casemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video
In that casemakaroni enpitsu

A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.

While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.

The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.

Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.

A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.

motherHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Mother [Official]
motherHikawa Kiyoshi

This is a hit song by Kiyoshi Hikawa that sings of deep love and gratitude for a mother.

Set to a gentle, warm melody, it conveys feelings for a cherished presence and the universal bond between mother and child.

Crafted by a stellar production team, this gem portrays the profound parent-child connection and unconditional love through a moving vocal performance.

Released in February 2020, it received high acclaim, including the Best Vocal Performance award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.

With Rei Nakanishi’s delicate lyrics and Masato Sugimoto’s emotionally rich melody in perfect harmony, it’s an ideal gift for Mother’s Day.

Why not entrust the gratitude that’s hard to put into words to this song and give it to someone special?

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

A song that gently scoops up the feelings buried deep in your heart that are hard to put into words.

The melodies and lyrics woven by SUPER BEAVER resonate with the inner conflicts and loneliness that everyone carries.

With delicate language, it depicts a heart swaying between being true to oneself and meeting others’ expectations, and the meaning of the tears that fall between the desire to be loved and self-denial.

This piece was written as the theme song for the NHK General drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” airing from January 2025.

Included on the album “Ongaku” (“Music”), it harmonizes beautifully with the world of the drama, adding color to the story.

It is a reassuring companion when you’re about to take a new step, when you feel lost or anxious, or when you’re trying to face someone.

humorKitanitatsuya

Humor / Tatsuya Kitani – You More / Tatsuya Kitani
humorKitanitatsuya

A heartwarming, poetic expression woven from kindness and wistfulness gently embraces the longing for a presence to accompany one through a lonely night.

Tatsuya Kitani has expressed through music the profound insight that even if people are not eternal, words can continue to heal the heart forever.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the film “Yukite Kaeranu,” the piece beautifully colors, through music, a world set in the Taisho era that portrays the youth and love of three real historical figures.

Its melody, imbued with respect for the power of words and the timelessness of poetry, will resonate with those who wish to touch the subtleties of life and the feelings we hold for others.

SymphonyHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Symphony (Music Video)
SymphonyHirai Dai

Characterized by warm, heartfelt vocals and a grand orchestral arrangement, this gem of a love ballad gives voice to the universal longing for a hero and the resolve to protect the ones we cherish.

Infused with Dai Hirai’s perspective as a father, it carries a powerful message brimming with hope and love for the future.

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the film TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – The Movie, it marked Hirai’s first theme for a live-action film.

The song is also included on his best-of album LOVE+PEACE, released in May of the same year.

This track is perfect for new beginnings with someone special, pivotal moments in life, or any time you need the courage to face forward.

Wrapped in its warm vocals, it’s sure to help you take that first step toward tomorrow.

I want to see you.sawada chikako

A poignant ballad marked by Chikaco Sawada’s gentle vocals that tenderly embrace the deep sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching hope of reunion.

From beautiful memories with a lover to a sudden parting—and the powerful love that still remains in the heart—are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.

Released in June 1990, this track was single-cut from the album “I miss you.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Tonight” and in a Nisshin Flour Mills commercial, gradually gaining attention and ultimately becoming a million-seller.

For those who have lost someone precious in life or who hold someone far away in their thoughts, it will surely resonate deeply.

Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (91–100)

threadChris Hart

When we talk about “Ito,” we mean Miyuki Nakajima’s classic masterpiece.

Many musicians have covered this song.

Among them, the version I especially recommend is Chris Hart’s “Ito.” He’s known for his gentle singing voice that reflects his warm personality, and he delivers a truly outstanding performance.