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

Smile and say goodbyeFujifaburikku

Fujifabric / Laugh and Say Goodbye

Fujifabric’s sound is fast-paced, stylish, and especially popular among young people.

Even their intense tracks carry a certain sense of poignancy.

It’s a mysterious kind of charm, in a way.

This song, “Waratte Sayonara” (“Smile and Say Goodbye”), could be considered one of their slightly more subdued pieces.

landlord; owner (of a rented property)Hitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto – Ooya LIVE

This is the second single by Yo Hitoto, known for hit songs like Morai Naki and Hanamizuki.

The subject of this song is her father.

Yo Hitoto’s father passed away when she was in the second grade of elementary school, so this song is a message to him: “Dad, I’m okay—don’t worry.”

Friend’s PoemNakamura Ataru

Ataru Nakamura / Friends' Poem

Atena Nakamura is the only person who, despite being male on the family register, appeared as a solo act on the Red Team at the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

She also works as an actress, appearing in TV dramas and on stage.

This song sings about falling in love with someone of the same sex, yet not wanting to confess and drive them away, and feeling happy just to remain friends.

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]

A masterpiece transcends time and, whenever you listen, wraps the listener’s heart in emotion.

Toshinobu Kubota’s “MISSING” is one such song.

It’s effortlessly stylish, yet achingly bittersweet—a track just like that.

Pay attention to the lyrics as you listen.

Hymn to LoveYamauchi Keisuke

Kiyoshi Hasegawa – Hymn to Love

Originally, this song was written by the French chanson singer Édith Piaf.

She composed it in mourning after her lover died in a plane crash.

There are many cover versions of this song both overseas and in Japan.

In Japan, the most famous is by Fubuki Kōji, but this time please enjoy the version by the current ‘Prince of Enka,’ Keisuke Yamauchi.

NonfictionHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

This is a gem-like ballad by Ken Hirai that powerfully portrays the profound sorrow of losing a close friend and the struggles of life.

Its tender, moving sound centered on acoustic guitar and Hirai’s rich, lustrous vocals gently envelop the heartfelt longing for someone lost.

In the music video, filmed at an amusement park at night, dancer Takeki Kudo’s striking performance gives visual form to a cry of the soul.

Released in June 2017, the song also drew attention as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Chiisana Kyojin” (A Small Giant).

This work resonates deeply with those grieving the loss of a loved one or standing at a crossroads in life, offering a song that truly stays close to the heart.

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.