Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era
In recent years, the word “emoi” has been widely used among young people.
It comes from “emotional,” meaning a state that’s easily affected by feelings, and it’s used to express emotions like happiness, sadness, loneliness, nostalgia, and bittersweetness.
This time, we’ve put together a list of “emoi” tracks limited to releases from the Reiwa era.
Beyond just the lyrics, some songs feel “emoi” through their melodies and ensemble, so we hope listeners of all ages—not just younger generations—can feel the “emo” vibe.
Guaranteed to move you! Emo songs from the Reiwa era (1–10)
Grapefruit MoonTOMOO
TOMOO, who has been familiar with music since childhood, took her first step onto the musical path when, in her second year of junior high, she composed her first song as a reply to a friend’s letter.
Included on her major first album “TWO MOON,” this track is said to center on the bitterness and thirst she hadn’t felt in her teenage years.
The lyrics, which symbolically depict the desire to have and the reality of not being fulfilled, express emotions and experiences one encounters only after growing up.
Released digitally in advance in September 2023 and then on the album in the same month, this song showcases TOMOO’s growth and evolution as an artist.
It’s an emotional number that lets listeners feel the complex emotions and inner conflicts of modern life.
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
A heart-stirring ballad brimming with the charm of male–female twin vocals that gently enfold a bittersweet love.
While tenderly holding onto fragile yet beautiful memories of love, it sings of the strength to keep looking forward and living on.
Gaining attention as an inspiration song for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” it became a major hit, surpassing 300 million streams.
An emotional track that stays close to those trying to overcome the pain of heartbreak or who have experienced parting with someone dear.
Also included on Awesome City Club’s February 2021 album “Grower,” this song will gently embrace the hearts of everyone swayed by love.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
The song that became a hot topic through DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu’s collaboration was used as the theme for an animated film.
Its lyrics, which depict a fleeting yet beautiful summer romance, and its emotionally stirring melody leave a strong impression.
Released in August 2017, the track generated significant buzz, including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s an emotional pop tune recommended for those carrying bittersweet feelings or looking back on their summer memories.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
Atarayo is a four-piece band known for lyrics that evoke poignancy and empathy.
Released in March 2021 as their debut single, this track is striking for its urban-tinged sound and vocalist Hitomi’s clear, translucent voice.
Centered on the theme of a bittersweet romance, the lyrics delicately portray the pain of parting, lingering regret, and the despair of a relationship with no future in sight.
It’s an emotional song you’ll want to play when you’re nursing a broken heart or harboring a secret love.
One Last KissUtada Hikaru
A song by Hikaru Utada created as the theme for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
Centered on the theme of loss, it conveys a message about the importance of moving forward.
Co-produced with British music producer A.
G.
Cook, it was released as a digital-only single in March 2021.
Utada reportedly composed the song after reading the script and envisioning the film’s final scene.
Its lyrics, which delicately portray the transience of love and the feeling of loss, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
It’s a moving piece that symbolizes Utada’s long-standing connection with the Evangelion series.
graceFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze is a singer-songwriter with a diverse musicality, ranging from gentle, enveloping ballads to street-savvy hip-hop-inspired tracks.
This work, written for NTT Docomo’s project “KAZE FILMS docomo future project,” embodies a positive message.
Through lyrics that explore relationships between self and others, as well as inner dialogue, it conveys the importance of facing oneself and believing in one’s own talents and potential.
Digitally released in October 2022, the song is an emotional number that gently gives a push to those taking a step toward their dreams.
SummertimeFIVE NEW OLD
FIVE NEW OLD is a four-piece rock band that has delivered numerous hit numbers with their soaring vocals and solid, reliable band sound.
This single, cut from the album “MUSIC WARDROBE,” is a track that brilliantly fuses the feel of summer with the bittersweetness of romance.
Its lyrics, blending the sweetness of romantic moments with the ache of an approaching goodbye, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in April 2021 and also featured in a commercial, the song is a sentimental yet refreshingly cool rock tune, its driving ensemble setting your heart racing.