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 poignant, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
Linju Lovemakaroni enpitsu

A moving story that portrays profound love and longing in the face of death.
This piece was released as a single by Macaroni Empitsu in January 2023.
Created as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “I Wish I Had Said It a Million Times,” it captured the hearts of many viewers alongside the show’s poignant narrative.
Woven with a heartrending melody of love and an emotional vocal performance, the lyrics contain the soul’s cry of someone forced to part with the one they love.
It’s a song that brings to the fore the ache of holding someone dear in your heart right up to the final moment, along with the feelings left unspoken.
Perfect for those who want to empathize with the pain of lost love or are seeking music that stirs the soul.
Let’s play.SION

Shion’s real name is Hideki Fujino.
He was born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, moved to Tokyo at 19, is now 57, and has released 11 singles and 26 albums.
He has also collaborated with Masaharu Fukuyama.
This song is about a woman he likes but is tired of living with—lyrics that make you think he might have divorced once.
By the way, the song only uses three chords, so it’s good for guitar practice.
Like the shining moonSuperfly

Speaking of Superfly, they’re known as a band whose powerful sound gives listeners energy and strength.
But their ballads are absolutely amazing too.
Please give “Like the Shining Moon” a listen.
It’s the kind of ballad that you can truly feel is great from the bottom of your heart.
Wish ~To You Back Then~Mirei Touyama

A song by Mirei Toyama that depicts the bittersweet memory of heartbreak through a beautiful singing voice.
The nostalgia for days gone by and the wish for an ex-lover’s happiness are conveyed through her clear, transparent vocals.
It’s a track that fully showcases her talent for expressing the unvarnished emotions of the subscription-streaming generation, and it spread widely through social media.
Released in August 2018, the song has resonated with many listeners and inspired empathy.
It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night while thinking of someone dear.
Its appeal lies in how easy it is to relate to—you can’t help but see yourself in it.
I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi

Hiromi Go’s ‘Ienai yo’ is the second work in his Ballad Trilogy.
As is true for the whole trilogy, it portrays a man’s feelings in love, and this song expresses the pure-heartedness of a man who can’t bring himself to say ‘I love you.’ It also won the 27th Japan Cable Music Award and became a long-running hit.
Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi, who continues to be one of Japan’s leading actresses, is especially popular among women.
When it comes to her moving, bittersweet songs, “I’m So Glad I Met You” stands out.
It was also a huge hit as a TV drama theme song.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children

A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.
Created by Mr.Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.
Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.
Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.


