A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Close Your Eyes / Ken Hirai (Cover)

A massive hit by Ken Hirai that knocks listeners out with pure poignancy.

After the one you love has gone, it still feels as if they’re right by your side.

Then comes the loneliness when you realize they’re no longer there.

Their figure returns only behind your eyelids when you close your eyes.

It delicately depicts the emotions that anyone who has experienced parting from a loved one will understand.

Reach me.wasureranneeyo

"Wasureranneyo" I Played "Ore yo Todoke" (Guitar/Piano Cover)

This song is also well-known for being sung by actor Masaki Suda in the film “Nanimono.” With straightforward lyrics that convey sincere feelings, it’s a track that lets you understand the protagonist’s emotions—nostalgic in a way—and makes you feel very envious of the “you” who is being loved.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Naotaro Moriyama is a singer-songwriter who has been active since 2001.

There are three versions of “Sakura”: chorus, solo, and accompaniment, but here I’ve focused on the most commonly heard “Solo” version.

A blizzard of cherry blossoms is one of the most beloved scenes for the Japanese.

And the image of friends parting within it, saying to each other, “Farewell.

We’ll meet again someday,” is almost too picturesque.

It was released in 2002.

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

Back then, Ringo Sheena, who styled herself as “the Shinjuku scene” in opposition to the “Shibuya-kei,” released this single in 1999.

She had reportedly written the song already in her teens, and her unmistakable worldview was fully formed—an astonishing early maturity.

In the latter half’s English lyrics, she sings of a bittersweet plea: don’t say goodbye—please kiss me once more.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A classic cherry-blossom song.

Every year when the sakura season arrives, how many times has this track been played? Though it has a major-key feel and even uses real place names, the lyrics are far from happy.

The emotions of a man wishing happiness for his former lover beautifully intertwine with the vibrant hues of the cherry blossoms.

Released in 2001.

Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya

Single Again – Mariya Takeuchi

A single released by Mariya Takeuchi in 1989.

It was used as the ending theme for a TV mystery drama slot known as “Hi-Sasu.” The song portrays the emotions of a woman who once lost her lover to another woman; upon hearing through the grapevine that he’s alone again, she is filled with complex feelings.

Those shifting emotions are beautifully conveyed through an emotional melody and a restrained vocal delivery.

Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana

Goodbye, my beloved.

Even if we break up, I’ll keep loving you.

I have the strength to watch my lover’s heart drift away without shedding tears, yet I just can’t bring myself to hate you.

So the only words I can say now, even if it’s a show of bravado, are “I’ll always love you.” It’s so painful when your own feelings remain while the other person cools.

This song captures the feelings of a woman in that situation with nuance and evokes deep empathy in its listeners.