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.
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- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
Masterpieces of poignant, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (101–110)
Always With MeKimura Yumi
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.
Summer DayMoritaka Chisato
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.
Instead of goodbyeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko
This song is the one that Yuki Saori and Shoko Yasuda, the sister duo, sing at the end of their concerts when they visit schools and similar venues.
The lyrics and music were written by Hiroko Taniyama.
The song is also performed as a choral piece at graduation ceremonies.
Its message is that even if we are separated, you and I still exist in the same world together.
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi
Junichi Inagaki’s ever-youthful singing voice is captivating.
His “Kurismasu Kyaroru no Koro ni wa” is a classic that always plays on street corners during the Christmas season.
His sweet, husky voice is irresistible.
The song is also known as the theme for a popular TV drama.
The Regent’s Downfallsadamasashi
Speaking of Masashi Sada, he used to be teased by Tamori as a gloomy singer-songwriter.
The lyrics of “Kampaku Sengen” were unique, and it’s well known that women’s groups lodged complaints about the song’s content.
In this song, he’s initially mocked by his wife and children, but he wraps it up by saying that’s fine—as long as you’re happy.
Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (111–120)
SWEET 19 BLUESAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro, who retired to much regret, has many hit songs and masterpieces.
Among them, “SWEET 19 BLUES” is an early track.
Be sure to check out the music video where she performs this song in her later years—the appeal is different in a great way.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
Aoi Teshima’s review refers to her singing the insert song and the main theme for Studio Ghibli’s 2006 film Tales from Earthsea, in which she also played the heroine, Therru.
As for the perspective from which the song is said to be sung, it relates to Episode 0, the prologue that comes before episode one of the drama “Love That Makes You Cry.”