A bittersweet song I’d recommend for Instagram Reels BGM

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Tata-san’s songs, with their poetic expressions of emotion and translucent vocals, gently resonate with many listeners.

Through natural elements like the sky, wind, and flowers, they portray deep affection and poignant longing.

Included on the album “oidaki,” released in February 2023, the track has surged in popularity, surpassing 400 million total plays across social media.

It was also performed on YouTube’s “THE FIRST TAKE,” where the simple arrangement accentuates the clarity of the vocals.

Paired with Instagram Reels featuring natural scenery or everyday moments, it can lend your video greater depth.

It’s a perfect choice for those looking to capture moments that evoke farewells to loved ones or the feeling of a new beginning.

To new loversback number

back number – To the New Lovers

Delicately portraying the faint stirrings of youthful love, this song captures feelings of bittersweet unrequited affection.

The protagonist, who keeps thinking about the other person yet lacks the courage to confess, leaves a strong impression.

Released in March 2012 as the fourth single, it was also selected as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Musicru TV.” Yuna Kawaguchi appears on the jacket and in the music video, vividly expressing Iyori Shimizu’s artistic vision.

It’s a perfect choice for Instagram Reels if you want to convey the ache of unrequited love and the purity of first feelings.

Why not try creating a video that traces the feelings of someone in love?

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

Songs by back number that weave bittersweet memories of love add color to your Instagram Reels.

The lyrics, which beautifully sing of the pain of a lost romance and cherished moments with someone special, resonate deeply.

Released in October 2011, this song was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” It’s included on the album “Super Star” and has captured the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect track for Reel videos that capture farewells or departures with someone important.

Paired with scenery filled with memories or nostalgic footage, it can evoke even deeper emotion.

JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru

Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada – JANE DOE

Created as the ending theme for the film “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc,” this song is characterized by a poetic worldview that symbolically depicts yearning and pain.

A first-time collaboration between two of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada, it intertwines translucent vocals with a melancholic melody, imbued with deep emotion centered on memory and loss.

Released in tandem with the film’s premiere in September 2025, it drew attention as a double A-side single alongside the main theme, “IRIS OUT.” Expressing the resolve to move forward even while carrying fragility and hurt, this piece is perfect for posts made in sentimental moments or when thinking of someone dear.

calm (of the sea), lull; Nagi (a Japanese given name)Marushii

Marcy – Nagi (Official Music Video)

This bittersweet heartbreak song is also hugely popular on Instagram Reels.

Marcy’s music gently sings of romantic memories, regrets, and lingering feelings.

This track is included on the album “Candle,” released in November 2023, and it’s a labor of love that took over a year and a half to arrange.

The music video features actress Hoshi Matsukawa, expressing both sorrow and happiness.

It’s also tied in with an Abema drama and a Pocari Sweat commercial.

Recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or parting from someone important.

Its relatable lyrics are sure to soothe your heart.

Use it on Instagram Reels to express your feelings even more deeply.

Cassis orangeLaughing Hick

Laughing Hick – Cassis Orange [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet track by Laughing Hick is a big hit on Instagram Reels.

The lyrics, which depict a woman’s feelings wavering between dreams and reality, are resonating with many listeners.

Released in 2019, the song is included on the album DOPAMINE.

Its pop-punk sound and driving rhythm are striking, and it has also trended on social media like TikTok.

The music video on YouTube has surpassed 8 million views, gaining support especially among younger audiences.

The lyrics, where the pain and hope of love intersect, express raw emotions directly and have been highly praised particularly by young women.

It’s a perfect track to use as BGM for Reels that capture bittersweet moments of everyday life.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This song, which portrays the bittersweet end of youth, is beloved by many as one of Fujifabric’s signature tracks.

Through the image of fireworks at summer’s end, it sings of parting from a past lover and the mingled hope and anxiety for the future, skillfully capturing the complex emotions of young people.

Released in 2007, it has also been featured as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “SUMMER NUDE” and as a CM song for LINE Mobile, making it popular across generations.

It’s a perfect choice for Instagram Reels if you want to express memories of youth or poignant moments in love.

Give it a try!