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