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 (41–50)
I Gotta Go feat. kojikoji, WILYWNKA & HiplinGeG
A heartwarming song that gently embraces the feelings of young people who, with the cherry blossom season, are quietly determined to set out on their journeys.
Its clear, sun-dappled melody shines with GeG’s delicate production touch.
The album “Mellow Mellow ~GeG’s PLAYLIST~,” recorded in March 2020, reached No.
1 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop chart.
Kojikoji’s pure vocals, WILYWNKA’s powerful rap, and Hiplin’s soulful singing blend beautifully, tenderly portraying both the sorrow of parting and the courage to take a new step.
It’s a track that will gently stay by the side of anyone beginning spring or starting a new chapter in life.
Secret GardenBE:FIRST
This track, rooted in 2010s R&B and marked by a groovy, sophisticated sound, is a song by BE:FIRST produced by SKY-HI.
Created together with renowned LA producers, it seems to portray secret moments with someone special, but in fact it sings of their deep love for music itself.
The lyrics, which express respect for music through the metaphor of romance, are sure to spark the listener’s imagination.
Released in August 2025, it was also featured in a Unilever campaign.
The song is included on the single “Sora” and their first best-of album “BE:ST.” It’s an urban, mellow number that’s perfect for when you want to feel just a bit more grown-up.
hydrangeaPEOPLE 1
A poignant ballad you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day.
This song, performed by PEOPLE 1, is a masterpiece in which vocalist Ito’s richly expressive voice gently sinks into your heart.
Released in June 2022, it colored the drama Kanakana’s most heartrending scenes as an insert song.
It was later included on the album Hoshimeguri, Kimi ni Kinsei.
The lyrics, which liken shifting romantic feelings to the seasons and hydrangeas, are lyrical and squeeze your heart even just to read them.
Liaratarayo
This song, released by Atarayo in October 2021, turns a lie born from a romantic misunderstanding into music.
It’s an answer song told from the male perspective of “I’ll Forget Your Silence in October.” Hitomi’s emotional vocals convey the regret and lingering attachment toward a lover whose heart is drifting away, tightening your chest.
And the device at the end—where the melody of “I’ll Forget Your Silence in October” overlaps—invites you to imagine the two characters’ story and brings tears to your eyes.
skinshaitoopu
With delicate vocals and a gentle melody, this ballad quietly seeps into a tired heart.
The singer is Shytoop, a rock band whose lyrics skillfully capture everyday scenes and emotions, resonating with listeners.
In this work, the story is carefully woven around a protagonist who tends to lose confidence amid busy days, and who, in the moment they touch the warmth of a loved one’s skin, rediscovers their true self.
The track was produced as the web movie song for a skincare brand released in April 2024, and was included on the major-label debut single “Hikariau,” released in July of the same year.
Give it a listen, and you’ll feel the stiffness in your heart gently unwind.
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.”
Lilia.Watashi janakattanda ne.
Singer-songwriter Riria, who rose to popularity after posting acoustic performances on social media.
Released in October 2021, this song is a ballad that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering feelings.
The lyrics, like an inner monologue, confess how the other person’s kindness only ends up causing more pain—listening makes your chest tighten.
You’ll be drawn in by the sound built around the interplay of gentle piano and guitar, Riria’s fragile vocals, and a late key change that unleashes a rush of emotion.
Take a relaxed posture and give it a listen.