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.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
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- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
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- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
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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)
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.”
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
A gem of a love song packed with heartfelt feelings for one special person.
Taka’s sweet, wistful vocals resonate deep within the heart.
True to a rock band that’s active on the international stage, the song is filled with straightforward expressions of love.
Japanese ways of expressing affection can be cool or overly indirect, which may leave some partners anxious, wondering if their significant other truly loves them.
If you’re not good at putting love into words, it might be nice to convey your feelings subtly by listening to the song together.
A Naked Heartaimyon
This is a work that teaches you the importance of being honest with your feelings.
It’s a hit number by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in 2020 as her 10th single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” The lyrics and vocals seep into you, as if the emotions in your heart are spilling out one by one—simply irresistible.
Even when you think “I won’t do it again,” love makes you do it anyway.
If you’re in love right now, or nursing a crush, this song will resonate with you all the more.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Ken Hirai’s “Hitomi wo Tojite” was the theme song for the blockbuster film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, starring Masami Nagasawa and Mirai Moriyama.
Released as a single in 2004, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold a million copies, achieving million-seller status.
Its lyrics about parting from a loved one, combined with the film’s story, are heartbreakingly moving.
It’s a classic that has been covered not only in Japan but by artists overseas as well, so definitely give it a listen!
sparklerINFINITY 16 welcomez GOKI
This song likens the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love to a sparkler.
The picture-story-show-style music video is wonderful, and together with the lyrics and the overall mood of the song, it makes for a deeply moving piece!
Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (111–120)
Slow BalladRC sakuseshon
A gem of a ballad by RC Succession, led by Kiyoshiro Imawano.
It’s a popular song that has served as a movie theme several times and has been covered by many artists.
Though the lyrics aren’t sad, the subdued, restrained arrangement and the fragile, squeezed-out vocals give it a certain loneliness.
Moon CryingKōda Kumi
It’s Koda Kumi’s “Moon Crying.” I imagine there are many men who like this song.
Its lovely melody and heartrending lyrics tug at a man’s heart.