Masterpieces that sing about loneliness: J-pop to listen to when you're alone
This is a carefully curated playlist of Japanese songs that sing about loneliness.
Even when we say “loneliness,” there are many ways to feel it and many forms it can take.
Sometimes you despair at being alone, sometimes you want to be alone, and sometimes you feel the ache of not being able to see someone.
The feeling of pressing on even without someone precious by your side might also be a kind of loneliness.
Here are timeless songs you’ll want to listen to in those lonely moments.
Beyond the massive hits, you’ll also find tracks with a different kind of impact—songs that quietly support you at your core.
Every song here is a wonderful piece that stays close to the listener, so give them all a listen.
A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. J-POP to listen to when you're alone (1–10)
Beautiful WorldUtada Hikaru
Beautiful World, Utada Hikaru’s 19th single, released in 2007.
Since this song was the theme for the film Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, many people probably think of Evangelion when they hear it.
It’s a number that fits the Evangelion worldview perfectly.
We all have those inescapable feelings, the times when we overthink alone and our thoughts spin in circles.
It’s a track that places you right in the middle of that kind of loneliness—stuck and unable to get out—like sinking into a swamp.
don’t cry anymoremiwa
This is miwa’s major-label debut single, released in 2010.
It’s a song that declares a strong resolve to see things through even without anyone on your side—“I won’t cry anymore”—and it carries miwa’s feelings from the time of her debut.
It also resonates deeply with listeners who struggle with loneliness.
I recommend comparing the original version, overflowing with the sharp edge of that era, with the softer atmosphere of THE HOME TAKE version.
People change—everyone does.
This song gives you the courage to face yourself, and it will surely become a source of support for you.
Arpeggio[Alexandros]
![Arpeggio[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uHxwO3mGpLU/sddefault.jpg)
This song, “Arpeggio” by [ALEXANDROS], served as the main theme for the much-talked-about PlayStation title “JUDGE EYES: Shinigami no Yuigon” (Judge Eyes: The Death God’s Testament).
[ALEXANDROS] is a very cool rock band known for tracks that sing about these kinds of emotions.
It’s such a cool and stirring number that loneliness itself starts to feel like something to admire.
Though it’s about loneliness, it’s also a powerful song that makes you remember someone, become stronger, and feel a positive determination to keep going.
Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK
It’s a track included on the 2019 album Eye of the Storm.
It carries the message “stand out, don’t just fit in,” and I think it also depicts the hurdles ONE OK ROCK faced overseas and how they felt at the time.
When you charge straight toward what you want to do, differences in environment or mindset can sometimes bring out a sense of loneliness.
Yet the song strongly reminds you of the importance of staying true to yourself while facing reality.
It’s the kind of song that encourages you when you feel a bit uneasy, giving you the courage to confront loneliness and rise to your feet again.
I was afraid of being alone.Nakajima Takui
‘Hitorini Narukoto ga Kowakatta’ is a song by Takui Nakajima released in 2005.
At the time, he was using the name TAKUI.
The title makes a powerful impact, doesn’t it? It shocked me, too.
Riding on a heavy, weighty sound, he sings his unfiltered truth all the way through, overflowing with the trademark passion that defines him.
Even if you go to a concert alone, in that moment when you hurl yourself toward the sound, you might feel like you’re not really alone.
It’s a strong, empowering track that faces one’s own weaknesses head-on at eye level, while making you want to believe in that mysterious kind of power.
Darkening RoomArai Yumi
Kageriyuku Heya (Darkening Room) is a masterpiece by Yumi Arai.
If I had to describe this song in one word, it would be “sad.” It’s simply heartbreaking.
Yet it captures youth so well that anyone can relate to it.
That sadness and loneliness are, in a way, the very essence of youth.
aquariumTakahashi Yuu
This song “aquarium,” sung by Yu Takahashi, is steeped in raw, gritty bitterness.
It’s a number where the emotions surge at you with relentless force.
The track was used as the theme song for the drama “Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de” (Spouse to be Chosen by Lottery).
The strummed guitar tone rips through your heart, stirring up a rough, feral feeling, and the piercing lyrics never let up.
There are times in real life when we can’t navigate things smoothly and end up feeling lonely, right? These lyrics fit those moments perfectly—a song that makes you think, “Bring on the loneliness!”