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

Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga / The Broken Radio

Speaking of Hideaki Tokunaga, these days he’s often seen as someone who sings cover songs by female musicians, but his first hit had a fresh, radiant image.

Also, “Rainy Blue,” which became a hit in 1997, is actually his debut single—a fact many people probably don’t know.

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Butterfly” [short ver.]

For women, a wedding is something special.

One of the popular songs often used at weddings is Kaela Kimura’s “Butterfly.” It’s a truly heartrending yet adorable masterpiece that makes you want to hum along.

Always With MeKimura Yumi

Always With Me / Yumi Kimura

This song is the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, and the coupling track also became a theme song.

It was performed as a special guest number at the 52nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and it received the Gold Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Best Theme Song Award at the Japan Academy Prize.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

As of 2018, this song is still sung at graduation ceremonies.

Many people came to know Naotaro Moriyama through this piece.

Although there is a choral version as a single’s coupling track, the version sung at graduation ceremonies is the solo version.

Summer DayMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka 'Summer Days' (PV)

Chisato Moritaka has many moving, bittersweet songs.

This time, I’d like to introduce my top recommendation among them: “Natsu no Hi” (Summer Day).

Moritaka’s clear, translucent voice is simply wonderful, and the lyrics are heartrending.

I’m sure many listeners will feel a wave of nostalgia when they hear this song.

motherHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Mother [Official]

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?

I want to see you.sawada chikako

I want to see you – Chikaco Sawada

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.