A wonderful, moving song

[Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

In recent years, the term “music funeral” has become more common, and it’s increasingly popular to play music at funerals to honor the deceased.

It’s also said that more people are choosing songs in advance during their lifetime, entrusting their feelings to music as a way to express gratitude and love.

In this article, we introduce several recommended songs for remembering the departed and for use as funeral background music.

We’ve gathered a variety of pieces—songs that express feelings for the deceased, songs that convey gratitude for the past, classical works including requiems, and calm J-pop—so please use this as a reference.

[Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Also Featuring Requiems and Laments Praying for Peace (51–60)

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Look up at the stars in the night (Kyu Sakamoto)

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Another signature song by Kyu Sakamoto, who sang the internationally popular “Ue o Muite Arukō,” known overseas as “Sukiyaki,” is “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o.” Originally the theme song of a musical of the same name from 1960, it was covered by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963.

This classic, widely known not only among older listeners but also younger generations, is one of Japan’s representative songs and is also favored as music to play at memorial services.

Its calm melody that preserves a solemn atmosphere, Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle voice, and the star-themed lyrics make it a perfect choice for bidding farewell to the deceased.

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applausechiaki naomi

Cheering (Applause) / Naomi Chiaki (Chiaki Naomi) 1972

applausechiaki naomi

It’s such a famous song that I think there’s hardly anyone born in the Showa era who doesn’t know it.

Yet the lyrics are very heartrending: in a short song, they capture the need to accept a sad reality as the result of a decision made at a crossroads in life.

Chiaki Naomi’s signature smoky voice makes it all the more moving, drawing our tears in this masterpiece.

Still, it isn’t merely a sad song; the protagonist moves forward, overcoming painful realities, and the song gives us the strength to live as well.

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Hymn to MotherMetis

Metis – Mother’s Anthem

Hymn to MotherMetis

This is a song released in February 2008 by Metis, an artist from Hiroshima Prefecture, dedicated to her beloved mother who was battling cancer.

Despite being given a prognosis of only two years to live, her mother made a miraculous recovery and continues her fight today.

The song expresses heartfelt gratitude for her mother and is deeply moving.

Because it conveys appreciation in a straightforward way—something that’s hard to say in everyday life—it’s a piece that allows you to honor someone who has passed while also conveying thanks for everything until now.

Please listen while thinking of someone precious to you.

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In conclusion

We introduced recommended songs to use as background music at a funeral.

They were all warm pieces that convey gratitude and love for the deceased.

In addition to J-pop, we also picked a few classics and Western songs that are popular for music-centered funerals.

Please use this article as a reference to send off your loved one with beautiful music.