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.
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A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. J-POP to listen to when you're alone (1–10)
Rendezvous with SolitudeSambomasutā
Sambomaster has many message songs that lift your spirits.
They don’t usually evoke “loneliness,” but in this track, Rendezvous with Loneliness, the gloomy, hesitant shadows of the heart are brought to the forefront.
Still, true to Sambomaster’s style, it becomes a song that steadily builds like a declaration to overcome that loneliness and grow stronger for someone else.
It captures the feeling that loneliness is something everyone experiences—so if you’ve sunk to rock bottom, why not try this song to help you look forward?
Forest of HumansMoriyama Naotaro
Naotaro Moriyama, known for his powerful vocal ability and a heartfelt, intimate singing voice, is highly popular.
His song “Ningen no Mori” (Forest of Humanity) was also the theme song for the Fuji TV and J:COM co-produced drama “Kioku” (Memories).
The song beautifully captures feelings of loneliness and that aimless emotion everyone experiences, both in its lyrics and delivery.
It’s a track that pierces the hearts of those who feel trapped in their solitude.
When you feel lonely, or when you want to fully immerse yourself in that feeling, give it a listen.
An unwavering heartAAA
A number produced by Tetsuya Komuro, released in 2010.
When you push forward on your own path, there are times you’ll clash with others or grow apart.
Before you know it, you’re facing days of loneliness that feel like they might break you, or situations filled with anxiety.
Just when your heart feels like it’s about to give out, this song helps you hold on tight.
There are phrases here and there that make you catch your breath, and the back-and-forth in the chorus between Uno-chan and Chiaki adds a sense of release and courage.
It makes you want to hold onto an undefeated heart—staying true to yourself.
A classic masterpiece that sings of loneliness: J-POP to listen to when you're alone (11–20)
Tears of MagnoliaStardust Revue
This classic ballad, “Mokuren no Namida,” is a song that could truly be called impossible to listen to without tears.
The sweet, husky vocals of Stardust Revue beautifully elevate the lyrics that yearn for a beloved person who left them behind.
crescent moonayaka
Mikazuki, the smash hit that catapulted singer Ayaka to fame, is a song about loneliness—perfect for listening to alone late at night.
It’s a deeply moving ballad about gazing at the crescent moon in the night sky and thinking of a beloved person you can’t be with right now.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
When it comes to classic Showa-era songs sung by Akira Terao, Ruby no Yubiwa (Ruby Ring) is the definitive one.
It set numerous records on the TV program The Top Ten Series, which aired from 1969 to 1990, truly establishing an era-defining masterpiece.
The song expresses the loneliness and regret felt by a grown man.
pure whiteBikkeburanka
Vickeblanka is a singer-songwriter with many addictive songs.
His track “Mashiro” is his third single, released in 2018, and it was featured as an insert song in the drama “We Can’t Become Beasts,” starring Ryuhei Matsuda and Yui Aragaki.
Loneliness is something we can’t do much about, but this song takes that helpless feeling and amplifies it to the max.
It’s a perfect track to listen to on a night when white snow is quietly piling up, heightening that sense of solitude even more.