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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Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (111–120)
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko
Anyone familiar with the Ghibli film “Porco Rosso” will instantly recognize this classic.
Tokiko Kato’s sweet vocals overlap with the film’s historical setting to create a wonderfully evocative mood.
I really hope you’ll listen to it when you’re feeling down—the warm lyrics will truly touch your heart.
Something CertainOda Kazumasa
Since this song was used in a commercial, I think many people know it.
Masakazu Oda’s gentle singing voice and the poignant lyrics resonate in the heart.
It makes you think about what’s most important and what you can do right now, and it’s a song that makes you feel like you can keep trying for that answer.
ElegyHirai Ken
“Elegy,” also famous as the theme song for the film Forbidden Love (Ai no Rukeichi), which deals with adultery.
It depicts an adult romance that is powerfully compelling yet forbidden.
The combination of its direct, beautiful lyrics and Ken Hirai’s vocals makes the feeling even more heartrending.
Is it okay if I cry sometimes?jikyū hassen en
Born from the comedy show “Cocorico Miracle Type,” this is the second single by the unit Jikyū 800 En, and their signature song—the only one to make it into the Oricon Top 10.
It powerfully sings of the regret of being unable to confess one’s feelings to someone they love.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
It might be fair to call this one of Yumi’s signature songs.
Its popularity is outstanding, and the poignant melody at the beginning gets seared into your mind and never leaves.
Countless artists have covered it, and it’s such a massively popular song that it’s often performed at various ceremonies.
At any timeMakihara Noriyuki
When times are tough, when you’re sad, and when you’re happy—this is a song that makes you want to stay true to yourself no matter what.
Precisely because we’re living through such challenging times, we want to live our best without losing our sense of self.
It’s a bittersweet yet uplifting track that stirs those feelings and gives you strength.
letterHY
This is a song included on TRUNK, the third album by HY, an indie band from Okinawa, released in 2004.
From this album, music videos were produced for Tegami and Something That Shouldn’t Be There.
The album reached number one on the Oricon album chart, demonstrating its strong popularity despite being an indie release.
The regret after a broken heart and the lingering feelings for the other person are truly heartrending.