For When You Want to Get Sentimental: Classic Japanese Songs Overflowing with a Melancholic Atmosphere
There are times when you suddenly find yourself feeling sentimental, aren’t there?
Cheering yourself up is one way to go, but it might also be nice to just let yourself be as you are in those moments.
In this article, we’ve picked out songs you can sink into on a sentimental day.
Letting yourself go with the flow and listening to classics like these can be surprisingly soothing.
These tracks aren’t just for autumn nights—you can enjoy them in all sorts of seasons and situations.
Hopefully you’ll find a song that fits your sentimental mood.
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[For When You Want to Get Sentimental] Classic Japanese Songs Overflowing with Melancholy (41–50)
Late Summer (A Season for One)Arai Yumi
This is a song by Yumi Arai that overlays the changing seasonal scenery with the end of a romance and the beginning of time alone.
The sight of leaves blazing with color and delicate flowers swaying in the wind seems to reflect the protagonist’s loneliness.
The song was included on the album “The 14th Moon,” released under the name Yumi Arai in November 1976, and it also served as the theme song for the NHK dramas “Natsu no Furusato” and “Maboroshi no Budōen.” Its poignant melody—mingling a lingering affection for the summer that has passed with a quiet resolve for the seasons to come—resonates deeply with listeners.
Whether you play it on a drive while reminiscing about summer or during a slightly chilly evening stroll, it will gently keep you company.
Picnickiseru
Unlike the picnic you might imagine, this Kicell song carries a curious charm that somehow leaves you with a bittersweet feeling.
Contrary to its comfortably floating melody, it portrays moments when a sense of parting arrives unexpectedly, and the loneliness of knowing you might never see someone again.
Precisely because we know that joyful times aren’t eternal, they feel all the more precious, stirring a tender, sentimental emotion.
Released as a single in September 2001, the track features the rhythm section of Dry & Heavy, whose tight groove further elevates its dreamlike atmosphere.
It’s the kind of song that, when listened to alone during a quiet picnic or while swaying on a train lost in thought, can make even familiar scenery look a little different.
L.A. NightsAgawa Yasuko
This song by Yasuko Agawa, who showcases her approach to exquisite jazz and soulful tracks, sings of her nostalgic memories of Los Angeles.
With its sophisticated track and richly moody atmosphere, it’s a piece that invites you to sink into a wistful reverie for an urban life long past.
Agate Caressed by NightAyase
A beautiful ballad from Ayase’s solo project that poignantly paints the depths of the night.
Included on the first EP, “Ghost City Tokyo,” released in November 2019, this piece vividly portrays the emotions of a man and woman who have no choice but to decide on parting from a loved one.
In a city after the last train has gone, a young man looks back on their relationship; his frustrated feelings as he senses the approaching goodbye are conveyed alongside an urban, mellow sound.
The wavering between wishing for a night with no terminus and trying to accept reality—tenderness toward the other person and a lingering regret—soaks into the heart with the melancholic melody line.
It’s a work that shines with adult sophistication and delicate emotional expression, perfect for a late-night drive or quiet time.
Thread of feelingstonun
Singer-songwriter Tonun, who has gained popularity for his ennui-tinged musical style.
He’s a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence on YouTube and has been drawing nationwide attention since around 2020.
His new track, Kimochi no Ito (“Threads of Feelings”), is an orthodox J-pop ballad that leans on acoustic sounds throughout, enveloping the song in a languid, melancholic atmosphere.
It’s perfect for chilling out—be sure to give it a listen.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is a next-generation artist.
The song that instantly blew up on TikTok when she released it is “Tsumugu” (Spinning/Weaving).
It’s a track that likens parting with someone important to changes in the weather.
The wavering of the heart and inner conflict are expressed in beautiful words.
Since it doesn’t depict specific situations, it’s easy to listen to while overlaying it with your own experiences.
Also noteworthy is how the passage of time is expressed through weather throughout the song.
From that, you can sense the protagonist trying to move on.
bergamotTomonari Sora
A captivating piece of urban pop that reflects the loneliness of the city.
Created by Sora Tomonari and released in February 2025.
It blends a city pop foundation with retro-futuristic elements for a stylish finish, complemented by a beautiful, memorable melody.
The lyrics unfold a love story where scent and memory intertwine.
It’s the perfect track for nights when you want to linger in your memories.