A bittersweet song I’d recommend for Instagram Reels BGM

Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

This gem of a track by next-generation rock band Macaroni Enpitsu tenderly portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Hattori’s emotional vocals and the majestic keyboard soundscape leave a lasting impression.

Released digitally in April 2022, it was chosen as the first opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” The song conveys the pain of parting that comes with summer’s end, as well as the hope of reunion.

Used in Instagram Reels, it can express bittersweet love stories and summer memories.

It’s a perfect choice for videos depicting a breakup with a lover or a heartfelt reunion with someone important.

Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-

This song delicately portrays a bittersweet longing for love.

Released in February 2007, it was written as the image song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns).” With poignant lyrics and a beautiful melody characteristic of Hikaru Utada, it exquisitely captures both the sweetness and the sorrow of love.

Immediately after its release, the song became a huge hit, topping the Oricon Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks.

It also captivated many listeners, achieving two million downloads as a ringtone.

It’s a perfect track for a reel that aims to express the complex emotions of romance.

Give it a try!

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

This work portrays a poignant state of mind: unable to forget a once‑beloved person, the protagonist can’t help but keep chasing their lingering shadow as memories of days gone by well up.

Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s delicate high-tone voice gently envelops the pain of a protagonist who cannot accept the breakup.

The grand sound centered on piano and strings is another highlight.

It’s a song to listen to when you want something to stay close to the pain of heartbreak, or when you can’t take a step into a new love.

The Door to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

Aoi Teshima, whose translucent singing voice gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

Released in February 2016 as the theme song for the drama “Someday, When I Recall This Love, I Will Surely Cry,” this piece is a special track: a rearrangement of a song from the album “Ren’dez-vous” tailored for the show.

Its lyrics, like a letter to a precious person far away, are deeply moving and will surely resonate with anyone who has experienced farewell or a new departure.

The simple arrangement centered on piano and strings, if anything, highlights the weight of each word.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to reflect on memories with someone dear, or when you need courage to face forward.

Pointillism Song (feat. Sonoko Inoue)Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Tenbyouno Uta

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE captivates listeners with their overwhelming expressive power.

This song, included on their single “Ao to Natsu” released in August 2018, was produced with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

As an insert track for the film “Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi,” it depicts the story of a man and a woman sensing an impending farewell at summer’s end.

The swelling emotions despite knowing time is limited, and the frustration of being unable to hold hands, are conveyed achingly through their two voices.

You can almost see memories piling up like scattered points before your eyes.

When you’re troubled by a love that can’t be, or on a sentimental night, listening to it will gently stay close to that helpless feeling.

Blue JeansHANA

HANA / Blue Jeans -Music Video-

HANA is a girl group that was formed through an audition program and topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 with their debut song, “ROSE.” If you keep an eye on social media in Japan, you’ve probably come across their activities at least once.

Among their releases, we especially recommend their second single.

This track is the group’s first mid-tempo ballad, overlaying the feeling of love onto a pair of well-worn jeans and singing about wavering emotions like insecurity and the anxiety of nights spent apart.

Its bittersweet yet gentle melody is perfect for reels featuring night views or quiet moments in a café.

The group has also collaborated with the casual brand DIESEL, making it a great fit for fashion-related posts as well.

blueyung kai

yung kai – blue (official music video)

Singer-songwriter Young Kai, who draws attention with his DIY style of producing music in his own room.

His acoustic sound is a staple on TikTok and Instagram, too.

Among the works he released in 2024, this is the one we especially recommend for Reels.

The soft tone of the acoustic guitar and his emotional vocals are stunning, expressing pure, deep love for a partner and hopes for a future together.

The track was also featured as insert music in a youth drama and in commercials, and it peaked at No.

39 on the Billboard Global 200.

Its gentle, romantic mood makes it perfect for Reels that compile memories with someone special or showcase beautiful scenery, so give it a try.