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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Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (111–120)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.