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 Brimming with a Melancholic Atmosphere (51–60)
Words I will never forgetAjimine Kiwako
With its fantastical worldview and narrative richness, this gem of a track comes from Okinawan singer-songwriter Kiwako Ajimine and the group Future Ancient Orchestra.
A dreamlike melody that fuses classical, folk, and electronic sounds intertwines with Ajimine’s translucent vocals, evoking a poignant longing that seeps into the heart.
Released in July 2016 as the theme song for the smartphone game “Grimms Notes,” the piece transcended the game’s bounds with fairy tale–inspired lyrics and a beautiful melody that captivated many listeners.
Its ethereal atmosphere, as if you’ve wandered into a storybook world, makes it perfect for moments when you want a little distance from reality or time to sit quietly alone.
KanadeSukima Suichi
A heartwarming ballad that begins with piano tones shining under a soft glow.
Sung with a clear, emotive voice, it portrays the radiance of a world transformed by partings and new encounters—one of Sukima Switch’s quintessential masterpieces.
Released in March 2004, the song became a long-running hit over 38 weeks.
It was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and served as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta,” continuing to resonate with many listeners.
Included on the albums “Natsugumo Noise,” “Greatest Hits,” and “DOUBLES BEST,” its charm deepens with time.
Perfect for those moments when you want to gaze at the night view in a lounge and reminisce about memories with someone special.
Last FragranceAmatsuki
Released in December 2024 as the lead track from Amatsuki’s fifth full-length album.
It’s a ballad with striking lyrics that liken memories with a precious person to a fragrance, resulting in a highly dramatic finish.
Combined with Amatsuki’s richly expressive vocals, the song’s world unfolds vividly before your eyes.
It might be nice to listen while imagining who that person is for you.
Be sure to savor the message!
The first cry of love, the wail of sorrowLeina
Leina’s “The First Cry of Love, The Cry of Sorrow” is a moving song that delicately portrays the duality of emotion.
As the title track of the album released in September 2024, it vividly contrasts the joy of love with the sadness of parting.
Its down-to-earth word choices resonate with many listeners and have garnered strong support especially from young people of the same generation.
With a maturity beyond her 19 years, she sings nostalgically about memories of a summer gone by and the feeling of loss.
The delicate vocals and sentimental tone strike a chord, making it perfect for when you’re in a reflective mood.
It’s a beautiful song that gently stays by your side when you’re feeling lonely or wistful.
[For When You Want to Get Sentimental] Classic Japanese Songs Overflowing with a Melancholic Atmosphere (61–70)
yellow magic carnivalManá
This is a masterpiece by Mana, who masterfully rides on cute vocals with superb taste, blending elements of AOR and city pop.
The sensibility of a charming female perspective approaches memories of bygone days, creating a fresh worldview, and the result is a sentimental song that lets you slip naturally into the music.
A deserted seaToa e moa
While it takes an enka approach, this male–female vocal duet overflows with a pop sensibility, resulting in a cool yet affectionate classic.
Its powerful message—no matter how hard things get, you won’t die, so don’t worry—turns it into a sentimental song that uplifts with a sense of euphoria.
willNakajima Mika
A classic by Mika Nakashima, who paints beautiful scenes with her distinctive husky voice.
It’s a grand, sentimental song that lets you sink into memories—evoking a boyhood spent gazing at the sky in search of stars and the inner world of someone looking for something without knowing what it is—while gradually unfolding into a story of romance.