Popular and recommended poignant Japanese songs on YouTube Shorts: a collection of timeless tracks that touch the heart

All of the Youthsuis from Yorushika

suis from Yorushika “All the Young People” Music Video

The melancholic air at summer’s end and the memories that resurface in a quiet moment—no one captures such aching scenes more beautifully than Yorushika’s vocalist, suis.

Her cover of a classic Fujifabric song has been used alongside moving videos on YouTube Shorts, touching many hearts.

The nostalgia for seasons gone by and time that won’t return, carried by suis’s translucent voice, seems to awaken memories tucked away deep inside.

This track is a reinterpretation of Fujifabric’s 2007 release, produced by music producer Seiji Kameda, and it also serves as the theme song for the Netflix film ‘My Last Year of Life, and the Story of Meeting You with Six Months Left.’ When you want to reminisce at summer’s end or after parting with someone dear, listening to it may gently comfort your heart.

maybeYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Tabun” Official Music Video

YOASOBI is known for producing songs based on novels.

While they often give the impression of upbeat tracks, this song, released in July 2020, takes a calmer, mid-tempo approach that invites a more reflective listen.

The piece portrays the quiet yet somewhat ambiguous emotions of two people on the morning of their separation.

Even as they try to accept that it’s no one’s fault, fleeting moments bring back memories of the past—those unresolved, wavering feelings align perfectly with Ikura’s clear, transparent vocals.

Chosen as the theme song for a short film, it resonated widely, with the music video surpassing 100 million views by July 2023.

If you’ve experienced the end of a romance and want to sink into a sentimental mood at night, this song might gently stay by your side.

Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Summer Shadow” Official Music Video

This work feels like it bottles up that indescribable loneliness carried in by the end of summer.

In scenes where a gentle breeze and lengthening shadows signal the changing season, it portrays a pale first love hidden behind the excuse of blaming a racing heartbeat on “summer.” It carries a message that seems to scoop up the bittersweet feelings that accompany the irreversible passage of time as we slowly grow up.

The song was released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in August 2025, marking their first summer anthem in about seven years since “Ao to Natsu.” It also served as the theme for Kirin’s Gogo no Kocha commercial featuring Ren Meguro of Snow Man, whose nostalgic worldview moved listeners.

It’s the perfect track for recalling a past romance on a summer evening.

Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima 'Yuki no Hana' Music Video

One winter classic that must not be forgotten is Mika Nakashima’s renowned ballad.

It also drew attention as the theme song for Meiji Seika’s “boda” and “galbo” commercials.

Released as a single in October 2003, the song is marked by a poignant, beautiful piano-centered melody.

Carried by her gentle vocals, it expresses a pure wish for the happiness of moments spent with a loved one—huddling together in the winter cold as love and bonds deepen—to continue into the future.

In 2019, a film inspired by this song was also released.

Listening to it with your partner might help you both rediscover how important you are to each other.

Yorunagi feat. nishinaindigo la End

indigo la End – Night Calm feat. nishina

This is a poignant song that depicts a farewell arriving on a winter night.

It beautifully expresses how a relationship between two people moves toward its end in the quiet of the night.

Anyone who has experienced a painful goodbye may relate to the wish, “Please wait to say goodbye until winter is over.” Indigo la End’s delicate musicality and Nishina’s transparent, airy vocals are a perfect match, leaving a lingering resonance that sinks into the heart.

Released digitally on January 17, 2025, the track is included on the album “MOLTING AND DANCING,” out on the 29th of the same month.

It’s a song for those who, on the verge of parting from someone important, want to spend their final moments together.

mutual feelingsthe shes gone

the shes gone “Omoi Ai” Music Video

A signature song by the shes gone that sings of aching love.

It portrays lingering feelings for a former lover and how a single word from them can change everyday life, offering comfort to anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

Released in January 2019, its music video on YouTube helped raise the band’s profile.

Recommended for those carrying the pain of a broken heart or harboring quiet feelings for someone special.

You’re sure to find something to relate to in the lyrics, sung over a gently flowing melody.

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

A song that resonates with the anger toward someone who only reaches out when it suits them, and the aching feeling of not being able to forget them.

In contrast to its melodic, gentle sound, the lyrics are striking for their candid, down-to-earth emotions.

Released in September 2020 and gaining buzz mainly on social media, the track is also included on Are-kun’s album “Breath.” It features the soft timbre of an acoustic guitar and an emotionally rich arrangement.

If you’re struggling with a romantic relationship, sensing your partner’s feelings drifting away but not wanting to admit it, or have been hurt by someone’s misleading behavior, you’ll likely find this deeply relatable.