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
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- 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 you! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era (31–40)
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.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
An overwhelming sense of loss for a cherished person you can no longer meet.
Gently accompanying that aching heart are the works of Totasan, an artist drawing attention as a bedroom creator.
Released in February 2023 and included on the first album “oidaki,” this piece sparked a major reaction, even reaching No.
1 on the USEN HIT SNS rankings.
Its poetic worldview—overlaying delicate, shifting emotions onto natural scenes like the sky and wind—leaves a strong impression.
While wishing for the other person’s happiness, the fierce longing to meet them once more creates a painful inner conflict that tightens your chest just by listening.
Even amid sorrow, the resolve to weave hope for tomorrow is sure to move your heart.
kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon
This track, which also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime “Chi: About the Movement of the Earth,” marks Sakanakution’s first new song in about three years.
Released in February 2025, it has captured many hearts, topping Billboard JAPAN’s Rising Songs chart, among other achievements.
From the lyrics, you can feel a powerful will—like that of a solitary “kaiju”—to pursue the truth even if it means defying common sense.
The interplay between a pure passion to explore precisely because the world is unfinished, and the poignant helplessness that the cry may never reach anyone, tightens the listener’s chest.
For those struggling toward a big goal or trying to stay true to their convictions, this is surely a song that will become a source of strength.
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.
Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era (41–50)
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.
PUZZLEShimizu Shota
This is a moving song crafted by Shota Shimizu, featuring a grand gospel chorus that resonates deep in your chest.
After returning his base to his hometown of Osaka, he created this piece together with students from his alma mater, singing about how each person’s fragments of dreams come together to shape a single future.
Many listeners will likely find themselves nodding along to the message that even if you’re imperfect, you can become stronger with your companions.
Released in October 2024, the track surpassed 100 million streams by September 2025 despite having no tie-in.
It is also included on the album “Pulsatilla cernua.” It’s a heartwarming number that’s perfect for reaffirming the bonds with friends who share your dreams.