[Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
Heartbreak, sad events, trouble with friends or family…
In those moments, many people feel like listening to “yami songs” (dark, emotionally heavy songs).
When you hear a song that sings about worries and pain similar to your own, it can make you feel a bit lighter—like you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll introduce yami songs for a variety of situations.
Find the one track that matches your current mood.
May your pain ease, even just a little.
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[Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain (91–100)
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
If you’ve just gone through a breakup, this might move you to tears.
It’s a signature song by Koresawa, a singer-songwriter from Osaka, released as her second single in 2017.
She sings about her feelings for an ex in down-to-earth words, and that unvarnished honesty makes it so easy to relate.
You can feel the protagonist wondering, “What could I have done back then to make it work…?”—and it’s heartbreaking.
Be sure to listen to the answer song, “Koibito Shikkaku” (Disqualified as a Lover), as well.
Love even your melancholyKoresawa
It’s a gentle message song that says, “You might be feeling bad right now because of worries and anxiety, but the end will come someday, so please don’t worry.” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Koresawa, released as a single in 2020.
The moving arrangement—combining lightness with grandeur—leaves a strong impression, and it pairs beautifully with her soft vocals.
When you’re feeling unwell or going through a tough time, this song might just save you, so please give it a listen.
soap bubbleMōningu Musume.
When love cools off, you find yourself wanting to listen to powerful music, don’t you? Morning Musume’s 2003 release “Shabondama” was chosen as the image song for the stage production “Quidam 2003.” Their gutsy, vibrato-rich vocals leave a strong impression, conjuring the image of women who remain strong even after heartbreak.
The bassline resonating through the disco sound creates a mature vibe.
The lyrics, which express how quickly love can end, are relatable across generations.
For anyone feeling down, this is a song that gives you the strength to bounce back from a broken heart!
If I Had Two LivesInoue Yosui
It’s a sorrowful ballad that reflects on the lives of one’s parents.
Written by singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue, known for many classic hits such as “Shonen Jidai,” the song was released as a single in 1972.
Working for their child, doing housework, and growing old—father and mother.
The lyrics, expressing a wish that “if they could live their lives once more, I’d want them to live for themselves,” are heart-wrenching.
It’s a piece that makes you want to cherish the people around you—family, friends, and others—more deeply.
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko
I’m completely taken in by its unique song structure and melody.
It’s a work by singer-songwriter Yoeko Kurahashi from Aichi Prefecture, included on her first album, “Fujin-yo,” released in 2002.
While it can sound like a musical-style song, the lyrical worldview is… somehow unsettling, isn’t it? It’s widely known as a highly addictive negative song.
And yet, the light, nimble sound of the piano feels strangely beautiful—a one-of-a-kind piece that could be called a work of art.
wedgeOku Hanako
The more you love someone, the harder the parting hurts.
When you’ve had your heart broken after a great love, this song will surely bring you to tears.
Created by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, known for hit songs like “Kawaranai Mono,” it was released in 2015 as her 15th single.
As it has been performed for a long time, there are several versions, but it is basically a simple piece consisting only of piano and vocals.
Yet it has depth, drawing you into a cinematic world.
When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru
It’s a classic ballad that makes you wonder if someone might be crying behind your own happiness.
It’s a song by Japan’s songstress, Hikaru Utada, released in 2004 as her 13th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the film CASSHERN, it became a hit.
The spacious sound arrangement pairs perfectly with Utada’s gentle, heartrending vocals—enough to make your chest tighten.
If you listen while thinking of someone important to you who’s no longer by your side, you just might cry.