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.
- Just listening to it gives me chills! A moving song released in the Reiwa era
- Gently soaking into a weary heart... Healing songs released in the Reiwa era
- When you want to immerse yourself in music alone! Tear-jerker songs released in the Reiwa era
- Listening will surely fill you with courage! Cheer songs released in the Reiwa era
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [Sentimental/Emotional] A Collection of Vocaloid Songs That Shake the Heart [Moving Songs]
- A collection of Vocaloid youth songs [emo, romance, etc.]
- Recommended for couples! Reiwa-era love songs that warm the heart
- Emotional songs that resonate in a sentimental autumn. A collection of autumn tunes.
- A collection of uplifting, youth-themed songs — timeless tracks that set your heart on fire
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Emotional songs to listen to in spring: a collection of masterpieces that suit the season of meetings and farewells.
- An emo song for winter. A winter tune that resonates with the heart.
Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era (21–30)
1991Yonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter leading the Japanese music scene.
This song, written as the theme for the live-action film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bears the title 1991—the year he was born—reflecting his deep attachment to the original work.
The lyrics, woven around themes of memory and loss that trace personal emotions, convey a will to keep moving forward while facing the past, making it highly relatable for many listeners.
It’s an emotional number that will resonate deeply with those at a turning point in life or anyone wishing to confront precious memories.
JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru
This work brings together two of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada, as the ending theme for the feature-length anime Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
It is included on the double A-side single IRIS OUT / JANE DOE, released in September 2025.
The lyrics, poetically weaving pain and memory and a call to what has been lost, sweep through the heart like a breeze through Utada’s clear yet melancholic vocals.
The delicate world crafted by Yonezu and the expressive power of Utada overlap to create a transience and lingering resonance that gently accompanies you when someone dear comes to mind or when you want to quietly face your emotions—a song that truly strikes a chord.
Guaranteed to move you! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era (31–40)
TATTOOOfisharu Higedan Dism
This work shines with Higedan’s signature pop sensibility, where a dramatic arrangement and a refined AOR flavor blend exquisitely.
The lyrics portray two people whose special bond allows them to overcome any difficult situation.
Carried by a groovy rhythm, the melody unfolds with a delicate, emotional atmosphere while still conveying strength.
Released in April 2023, the song was written as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “Pending Train: 8:23, Ashita Kimi to.” It’s a lingering, resonant number recommended for those who want to think of someone dear or feel connected at heart even when apart.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
That even the most brilliant moments must come to an end—and that by letting go of attachment, the heart can be filled.
Released in March 2024 as the theme song for the film “When April Comes, She Will,” this is Fujii Kaze’s first love song.
It gently sings of the futility of love that seeks something in return and the fulfillment that unconditional love brings.
His tender voice, carried by a soft piano melody, teaches us the importance of embracing change.
It’s a song I recommend to those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who wish to reconsider what it means to love.
Heralding springyama
This song, which portrays the feelings of a young person in late-night Tokyo dreaming while confronting real-world loneliness, is an original track by yama released in April 2020.
Completed solely through online exchanges with Vocaloid producer Kujira, it peaked at No.
7 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and has surpassed 300 million streams.
Its lyrics—where the gap between virtual and real worlds, the struggle of performing a perfect self, a sense of apocalypse, and hope for renewal intersect—give voice to the anxieties and isolation of Gen Z living in the age of social media.
With a catchy melody and a clear, translucent vocal tone, the song’s resolve to find hope within despair is deeply moving.
It’s a number you’ll want to hear when you’re anxious about a new chapter in life or when you want to face your inner self.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
An emotionally stirring ballad that sings of the sanctity of life, driven by grand, heart-tugging strings.
As Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s 10th single, released in November 2022, this song was written as the theme for the film “From Siberia With Love.” The lyrics portray unwavering hope in the face of any hardship and a powerful devotion to a loved one.
Many listeners may find their tears welling up at its profound message.
It’s a track that, when you’re worn down by daily life or on the verge of losing heart, lights a warm glow within you and guides you toward tomorrow.
Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song, crafted by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, features a breezy band ensemble and crystal-clear harmonies that are truly beautiful.
The lyrics, imbued with a sense of late summer, portray a feeling that pins unspoken excitement and hesitation on “the fault of summer,” a sentiment that is sure to move many listeners with its poignancy.
You’ll be drawn into a world that gently captures the fleeting loneliness of growing up.
Released in August 2025 as the song for the “Kirin Gogo no Kocha” commercial, it also drew attention as the band’s first summer-themed work in about seven years.
Put it on during a sentimental night, and it will surely stay close to your heart.