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)
lampSakiyama Soshi
This is a song by Soushi Sakiyama, released in July 2023 as the ending theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.” It opens with acoustic guitar arpeggios, then swells into a magnificent soundscape where strings and marching drums intermingle—truly overwhelming.
The lyrics portray regret over not speaking up before goodwill shattered, and the struggle of living while carrying wavering affection, closely mirroring the inner world of the main character, Suguru Geto.
The song has surpassed 25 million views on YouTube and has become one of Sakiyama’s signature tracks.
Highly recommended for those who resonate with feelings torn between ideals and reality.
leap day personRADWIMPS
This is an emotionally moving ballad by RADWIMPS, written specifically as the theme song for the film “The Last 10 Years.” It is included on the album “The Last 10 Years ~Original Soundtrack~,” released in March 2022.
The anecdote that they read the script nearly a hundred times shows their deep affection for the project.
The lyrics are told from the perspective of the one watching over a loved one with only a short time left to live, conveying heartfelt gratitude for the miracle of meeting and the piercing sorrow of the time that remains.
Like a special day that comes only once every four years, the song expresses the tenderness of cherishing an irreplaceable presence, unfolding from a quiet piano to a grand orchestral arrangement that is sure to move you to tears.
It’s a touching piece that makes you treasure the “now” with someone important even more.
Guaranteed to move you! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era (31–40)
Only a single voicerokudenashi
Rokudenashi is a music project featuring Ninjin, a vocalist who first gained attention on social media, and a trending Vocaloid producer.
The track produced by MIMI, a Vocaloid producer, moves the heart with its beautiful piano melodies.
This work delicately portrays the unique hardships and loneliness of youth—struggling to put feelings into words and searching for answers as time passes.
Upon its release in December 2021, its moving world view spread across countries in Asia and received a huge response.
It’s one of their signature songs, also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana.” When you’re weighed down by worries you can’t tell anyone, or on nights when you’re lost in thought alone, listening to it will surely surround you with a gentle warmth that feels like someone sitting by your side.
LeoYuuri
It’s a tear-jerking song told from a dog’s perspective, portraying its bond with its owner and the course of its life.
The track is by singer-songwriter Yuuri, known for the smash hit “Dry Flower,” and is included on the acclaimed album “Ichi,” released in January 2022.
This song tells a bittersweet yet heartwarming story that makes you realize how the ordinary days with an owner were irreplaceable treasures.
The regret and gratitude one feels when the “ordinary” is no longer ordinary seep deeply into listeners’ hearts through Yuuri’s emotionally rich vocals.
The music video, directed by Mai Sakai, also drew attention, with its moving story resonating with many.
It’s a piece not only for pet owners but for anyone who wants to reaffirm the value of someone precious.
Even if I’m not thereHirai Dai
This is a grand love song from Dai Hirai, known for his soothing, beach-evoking music, dedicated to a family of the future.
Released in January 2022, it was also included on the album HOPE / WISH.
Its warm yet bittersweet message—wishing happiness for a loved one even if you’re no longer by their side—strikes a deep chord.
The beautiful blend of piano and strings is also healing.
The flipbook-style music video, created by comedian Tekken with around 1,200 original drawings, moved many viewers.
It’s a song that makes gratitude overflow for the loved ones by your side right now.
Be sure to listen for his gentle vocals, which quietly resonate in the heart.
Love WindIkuta Rira
This song was chosen as the theme for the ABEMA romance reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.
New Zealand Edition.” It’s a work by Lila Ikuta, who is also active as the vocalist of the music duo YOASOBI, and it was released in April 2025.
The piece is a love song that portrays a delicate emotional landscape: though timid about love, the narrator is touched by the other person’s earnest feelings and tries to take a step forward.
The fresh sound, like a herald of spring, layered with Lila Ikuta’s clear, transparent vocals, tightens your chest as you listen.
This marks the third time she has provided the theme song for the series.
It’s a masterpiece filled with warmth that gently gives you a push when you’re troubled by love or can’t quite take that next step.
rendezvousshaitoopu
Shytope is a three-piece rock band whose name comes from the “shy moles”—a group formed in a university music club that practiced in an underground studio.
Their popularity grew mainly through social media, and they made headlines for topping the Billboard JAPAN charts.
This song is a poignant breakup ballad that gazes back at a love that has passed.
Even while knowing it’s impossible, the protagonist dashes through the rain, longing to reunite with their lover—a scene likely to resonate with many teenagers.
The languidly sweet vocals and emotional soundscape make it perfect for nights when you want to sink into your feelings.
It’s a stylish, sentimental rock tune also included on their first full-length album, “Hors d’oeuvre.”