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.
Playlist
| A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | I miss youRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | A song that gently embraces the heart with sorrow and pure emotion |
| 2 | Love is litrokudenashi |  play_arrow | A ballad whose piano melody heals the heart |
| 3 | Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism |  play_arrow | A song depicting everyday despair and small salvations |
| 4 | On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z |  play_arrow | B’z’s heartrending, moving song |
| 5 | Melodies Of LifeShiratori Emiko |  play_arrow | Generational differences in the perception of video game music |
| 6 | Things that have formShibasaki Kou |  play_arrow | Memories shine forever in the heart. |
| 7 | Until the day I can no longer rememberback number |  play_arrow | A heartrending ballad that sings of the pain and sense of loss of a broken heart. |
| 8 | Dream FighterPerfume |  play_arrow | Perfume’s songs are wrapped in urban allure and convey a sense of loneliness. |
| 9 | The Door to TomorrowTeshima Aoi |  play_arrow | Aoi Teshima’s gentle singing voice that resonates with the heart |
| 10 | Shadows of Youthchūrippu |  play_arrow | It can be taken as either a breakup song or a love song. |
| 11 | Happy Endingback number |  play_arrow | Portraying the pain of a broken heart and the poignancy of parting |
| 12 | reverse dreamKing Gnu |  play_arrow | A ballad that delicately expresses love and loss |
| 13 | cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo |  play_arrow | Postponement of the song’s release and the Doraemon commercial song |
| 14 | A world without goodbyesŌhashi Torio |  play_arrow | A song by Ohashi Trio that embraces farewell |
| 15 | All of the Youthsuis from Yorushika |  play_arrow | suis sings of summer memories and bittersweet emotions |
| 16 | spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota |  play_arrow | A song of grief and hope for a dearly loved one lost |
| 17 | In this noisy, beloved worldMakihara Noriyuki |  play_arrow | A song by Noriyuki Makihara whose poignancy and hope stir the heart |
| 18 | i love youchanmina |  play_arrow | Chanmina’s love song, expressing vulnerability |
| 19 | HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | A theme song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that resonates with the heart |
| 20 | I love youback number |  play_arrow | A heartfelt song that expresses feelings for a cherished person |
| 21 | leap day personRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | An emotional movie theme song by RADWIMPS that sings of the preciousness of life. |
| 22 | Blue amberback number |  play_arrow | Back Number’s masterpiece: a deep story of sorrow and love |
| 23 | Please forget it.Yorushika |  play_arrow | Singing of the heartbreaking feelings of lost love and farewell |
| 24 | Only a single voicerokudenashi |  play_arrow | The moving work featuring Carrot and MIMI that’s popular on social media |
| 25 | Until we meet againHirai Dai |  play_arrow | A moving song by Dai Hirai about parting and bonds |
| 26 | Even if I’m not thereHirai Dai |  play_arrow | Hirai Dai’s grand love song for the future is moving. |
| 27 | Pointillism Song (feat. Sonoko Inoue)Mrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love story at the end of summer |
| 28 | “It’s fine for now.” ft. KAFUMIMI |  play_arrow | A healing song full of kindness for nights when the heart is tired |
| 29 | rendezvousshaitoopu |  play_arrow | Sheitoupe, popular on social media, depicts the pain of heartbreak. |
| 30 | Loving too muchCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S. |  play_arrow | The harmony of chemistry is captivating. |
| 31 | GiftET-KING |  play_arrow | ET-KING sings about his feelings for the person he loves |
| 32 | JUST BECAUSTHE JAYWALK |  play_arrow | Many fans hope for Koichi Nakamura’s return even after his departure |
| 33 | Why did I end up falling in love with you?TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”) |  play_arrow | A song by Tohoshinki that sings about the heartbreak of unrequited love |
| 34 | crescent moonayaka |  play_arrow | Ayaka’s “Mikazuki” tops the Oricon chart for the first time |
| 35 | I’m sorry…Takahashi Mariko |  play_arrow | Mariko Takahashi’s Signature Songs and Her Musical Journey |
| 36 | Let’s play.SION |  play_arrow | Shion Fujino Hideki, 57 years old, collaborates with Masaharu Fukuyama |
| 37 | Like the shining moonSuperfly |  play_arrow | Superfly’s ballad “Like the Shining Moon” is a good song. |
| 38 | Wish ~To You Back Then~Mirei Touyama |  play_arrow | Mirei Touyama’s heartbreak song |
| 39 | I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi |  play_arrow | A song about the pure-hearted feelings of a man who can’t say he loves her |
| 40 | I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko |  play_arrow | Introduction to Kyoko Koizumi's moving songs |
| 41 | The curtain risesback number |  play_arrow | A ballad by back number that serves as a movie theme song |
| 42 | Stay with meIsland |  play_arrow | Okinawa sibling band member Toshio dies of leukemia |
| 43 | TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya |  play_arrow | The mystery of breakup songs being played at weddings |
| 44 | DON’T FORGET MY NAMEShimizu Shota |  play_arrow | Shota Shimizu’s heart-touching ballad that sings of precious bonds |
| 45 | Hello, Sadnesssaitou yuki |  play_arrow | AAA's 'Koioto to Amazora' is a ballad popular with people of all ages and genders. |
| 46 | Crescent Moon SunsetSakanakushon |  play_arrow | Very heartrending lyrics, and the mel… sounds so heartrending too. |
| 47 | I want to see you.yuzu |  play_arrow | Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father |
| 48 | Close your eyesHirai Ken |  play_arrow | A ballad about longing for a lost lover |
| 49 | to cry innocently; to weep with a childlike airAKASAKI |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song where love and longing for a precious person intertwine |
| 50 | To new loversback number |  play_arrow | back number's heartrending song |
| 51 | horizonback number |  play_arrow | back number high school student support song |
| 52 | Linju Lovemakaroni enpitsu |  play_arrow | A moving story depicting love and feelings in the face of death |
| 53 | brilliant; radiant; dazzlingMiura Daichi |  play_arrow | A ballad that gently embraces thoughts for the departed |
| 54 | waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze |  play_arrow | Fujii Kaze’s movie theme song. A ballad depicting love and farewell. |
| 55 | pure whiteFuji Kaze |  play_arrow | Fujii Kaze’s new song: a gentle track depicting parting and growth |
| 56 | ColonyBUMP OF CHICKEN |  play_arrow | A ballad song by BUMP OF CHICKEN |
| 57 | Still loving youChris Hart |  play_arrow | Chris Hart sings of eternal love in Japanese |
| 58 | threadChris Hart |  play_arrow | Chris Hart covers Miyuki Nakajima’s classic song “Ito.” |
| 59 | To my belovedET-KING |  play_arrow | A moving song to give to a loved one |
| 60 | The reason I was born into this worldFUNKY MONKEY BABYS |  play_arrow | Introduction to wedding songs by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS |
| 61 | May it be filled with kindnessFlower |  play_arrow | Introduction to Flower’s tender, heartwarming masterpiece |
| 62 | May it be filled with kindnessJUJU |  play_arrow | A heartwarming ballad that depicts gratitude and love for a beloved person |
| 63 | rootKing Gnu |  play_arrow | A powerful anthem of encouragement born from King Gnu’s adversity |
| 64 | sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children |  play_arrow | Mr.Children's heart-touching ballads |
| 65 | hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake |  play_arrow | A song by Omoinotake about a long-distance relationship |
| 66 | MPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | The classic song “M” by Princess Princess |
| 67 | The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER |  play_arrow | Theme songs for TV dramas by SUPER BEAVER |
| 68 | Instead of goodbyeTUBE × GACKT |  play_arrow | A heartbreaking farewell song by TUBE and GACKT |
| 69 | painVaundy |  play_arrow | A song that raises questions as it confronts the absurdity of life |
| 70 | Forever LoveX JAPAN |  play_arrow | Inspirational songs by X JAPAN |
| 71 | I stillmilet |  play_arrow | milet’s new song, a moving piece that serves as a film’s theme song |
| 72 | coarse sugaraimyon |  play_arrow | A song by Aimyon that sings about heartache |
| 73 | Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)sadamasashi |  play_arrow | A gem of a ballad that conveys the pain of loss with a gentle melody |
| 74 | Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu |  play_arrow | Yuzu’s famous song, the heartrending, tear-jerking “Ame nochi Hareluya” (Rain, Then Hallelujah) |
| 75 | Peerless BlossomAina ji Endo |  play_arrow | A grand ballad for a film’s theme song, expressing love and loss |
| 76 | humorKitanitatsuya |  play_arrow | Words have the power to heal the heart forever. |
| 77 | balladKetsumeiji |  play_arrow | I recommend Ketsumeishi’s ballads and Kachō Fūgetsu. |
| 78 | cherrysupittsu |  play_arrow | Spitz's Cherry is an eternal classic |
| 79 | Maplesupittsu |  play_arrow | A gem-like ballad by Spitz that poignantly sings of lost feelings |
| 80 | A witch sets off on a journeysupittsu |  play_arrow | Spitz’s third song, The Parting and Promise of the Witch and the Boy |
| 81 | Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten |  play_arrow | Teresa Teng, a singer who performed in multiple languages. |
| 82 | Smile and say goodbyeFujifaburikku |  play_arrow | The exhilarating feel and stylish sound of Fujifabric |
| 83 | In that casemakaroni enpitsu |  play_arrow | Macaroni Enpitsu’s heartbreak song |
| 84 | landlord; owner (of a rented property)Hitoto Yo |  play_arrow | A song about feelings for my father |
| 85 | ORIONNakajima Mika |  play_arrow | Mika Nakashima’s heartrending love song “ORION” |
| 86 | Friend’s PoemNakamura Ataru |  play_arrow | Sing a friendship to someone with the same full name |
| 87 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | The classic song MISSING wraps the heart in emotion. |
| 88 | Hymn to LoveYamauchi Keisuke |  play_arrow | A masterpiece composed by Édith Pilaf |
| 89 | Always the two of usShimazu Aya |  play_arrow | A cheering song by Aya Shimazu filled with feelings for her beloved dog |
| 90 | NonfictionHirai Ken |  play_arrow | A ballad song by Ken Hirai that depicts sorrow |
| 91 | SymphonyHirai Dai |  play_arrow | Dai Hirai’s movie theme song love ballad |
| 92 | Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki |  play_arrow | Hideaki Tokunaga’s work with cover songs |
| 93 | ButterflyKimura Kaera |  play_arrow | Popular songs by Kaela Kimura for weddings |
| 94 | Always With MeKimura Yumi |  play_arrow | Award history with Studio Ghibli movie theme songs |
| 95 | Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro |  play_arrow | Moriyama Naotaro’s famous graduation ceremony song |
| 96 | Summer DayMoritaka Chisato |  play_arrow | I recommend Chisato Moritaka’s “Natsu no Hi” (“Summer Day”). |
| 97 | motherHikawa Kiyoshi |  play_arrow | Hikawa Kiyoshi’s hit song that sings of love and gratitude to his mother |
| 98 | I want to see you.sawada chikako |  play_arrow | A heartfelt ballad that longs for parting and reunion with a loved one |
| 99 | MelodyTamaki Kōji |  play_arrow | Living together as two is the greatest happiness. |
| 100 | Instead of goodbyeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko |  play_arrow | Even when we're apart, our hearts are together. |
| 101 | dearestFukuyama Masaharu |  play_arrow | A ballad that sings of devoted love for a beloved person |
| 102 | By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi |  play_arrow | Junichi Inagaki’s classic Christmas song |
| 103 | filamentUru |  play_arrow | A translucent singing voice and deep emotion move the heart |
| 104 | The Regent’s Downfallsadamasashi |  | Masashi Sada’s “Declaration of the Feudal Lord” (Kanpaku Sengen) received complaints from women’s organizations. |
| 105 | SWEET 19 BLUESAmuro Namie |  play_arrow | Namie Amuro’s early classic, SWEET 19 BLUES |
| 106 | Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi | play_arrow | Aoi Teshima performs the singing and plays the role of Therru in Tales from Earthsea |
| 107 | Wherever you areONE OK ROCK |  play_arrow | A love song filled with passionate feelings for a beloved person |
| 108 | A Naked Heartaimyon |  play_arrow | AIMYON’s love songs |
| 109 | Close your eyesHirai Ken |  play_arrow | Ken Hirai's moving farewell classic |
| 110 | sparklerINFINITY 16 welcomez GOKI |  play_arrow | Comparing the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love to a sparking senko-hanabi firework… |
| 111 | Slow BalladRC sakuseshon |  play_arrow | The band led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, RC Succession… |
| 112 | Moon CryingKōda Kumi |  play_arrow | It's Kumi Koda's 'Moon Crying'... |
| 113 | Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko |  play_arrow | If you know the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso, you’ll definitely... |
| 114 | Something CertainOda Kazumasa |  play_arrow | It's a song that was also used in a commercial, so you might know it... |
| 115 | ElegyHirai Ken |  play_arrow | The theme song of the film “The Prisoner of Love,” which deals with adultery… |
| 116 | Is it okay if I cry sometimes?jikyū hassen en |  play_arrow | From the comedy skit show “Cocorico Miracle Type”… |
| 117 | Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it one of Yuming’s signature songs… |
| 118 | At any timeMakihara Noriyuki |  play_arrow | In hard times, in sad times, in happy times—no matter when… |
| 119 | letterHY |  play_arrow | HY, an indie band from Okinawa, ... |
| 120 | I want to become a rainbow.TUBE |  play_arrow | From Ucchan Nanchan’s variety show, ... |
| 121 | Even if you break tomorrowWANDS |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that grabs your heart right from the intro... |
| 122 | my nameback number |  play_arrow | The heartrending emotions of back number are explosively... |
| 123 | the red threadKobukuro |  play_arrow | Listening to it makes me feel so heartbroken… |
| 124 | It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī |  play_arrow | A bittersweet Chatmonchy song that makes you want to listen at night... |
| 125 | Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | It’s a song that could be considered one of Shogo Hamada’s signature tracks… |
| 126 | Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi |  | From those who departed first, to those who were left behind… |
| 127 | Worn heels and the hands we holdenvy |  play_arrow | Japanese hardcore band envy, for the first ti... |
| 128 | The end of love comes surprisingly quietly.Ketsumeishi | It’s a heartrending breakup song. Love songs usually come from the woman’s perspective… | |
| 129 | love Benkeirekishi |  play_arrow | Rekishi’s singing voice is heartrending and cool, and the song is… |
| 130 | The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi |  play_arrow | The so- by Yasushi Nakanishi, released in 1992... |
| 131 | even ifHirai Ken |  play_arrow | When I’m in the mood for a bittersweet song, Ken Hirai’s tracks are... |
| 132 | A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke |  play_arrow | This is Keisuke Kuwata’s 17th single. Teruyoshi Uchimura... |
| 133 | Start TodayA.O.W |  play_arrow | In a word, a very emo band. The song is ha… |
| 134 | KARATEBABYMETAL |  play_arrow | When I'm heading to a job where I feel like I'm going to face something unreasonable... |
| 135 | On the way to the meetingplenty |  play_arrow | A very emo three-piece band. Up… |
| 136 | KanadeSukima Suichi |  play_arrow | This is Sukima Switch’s second single. |
| 137 | IF YOUBIGBANG |  play_arrow | The single “MADE SERIES: D”... |
| 138 | To You Who Don’t Know LoveNEWS |  play_arrow | This is NEWS's 20th single. It has a summery feel... |
| 139 | Your favorite songUVERworld |  play_arrow | It's a classic ballad by UVERworld. I lo… |
| 140 | Hard to say I love you ~I can’t bring myself to say it~WEAVER |  play_arrow | The appeal of WEAVER lies in their piano-driven so... |
| 141 | Name of LifeHisaishi Joe |  play_arrow | It's a song from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. Non-... |
| 142 | I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko |  play_arrow | There have been many drama theme songs, insert songs, and covers as well... |
| 143 | First LoveUtada Hikaru |  play_arrow | A song famous as one of Hikaru Utada’s signature tracks… |
| 144 | shooting starFukuyama Masaharu |  play_arrow | Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Naga…” sings about a bittersweet adult romance. |
| 145 | My daughter,WASHIZAKI Ken |  play_arrow | It's a famous song by radio personality Ken Washizaki... |
| 146 | OrangeSMAP |  play_arrow | Although it’s a B-side track, it enjoys enduring popularity… |
| 147 | I want to hug you.Mr.Children |  play_arrow | A gem-like love ballad by Mr.Children |
| 148 | ByrdEGO-WRAPPIN’ |  play_arrow | Introducing EGO-WRAPPIN’s poignant song “Byrd.” |
| 149 | People of the pastHY |  play_arrow | A song about a keyboard player who decides to forget their past love. |
| 150 | DEPARTURESglobe |  play_arrow | An inspiring masterpiece that suits winter |
| 151 | Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai |  play_arrow | A message song imbued with Harukamirai’s hope and strong will |
| 152 | The Toilet GodUemura Kana |  play_arrow | Moved to tears with my family by the Toilet God |
| 153 | I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki |  play_arrow | Introduction to Noriyuki Makihara’s break-up songs |
| 154 | Lovers Are Wine-ColoredCHAGE and ASKA |  play_arrow | Introducing CHAGE & ASKA’s big hit songs from the 1990s |
| 155 | Memories of Kujukuri BeachMi-Ke |  | MI-KE is a popular group originating from Kome Kome Club. |
| 156 | Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta) |  play_arrow | Kenta Kiritani sings a love song as Urashima Taro |