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 classic masterpiece that sings of loneliness: J-POP to listen to when you're alone (11–20)
Listening to OliviaAnri
Here is Anri’s debut single, released in 1978.
The song was written by singer-songwriter Ami Ozaki, and the “Olivia” in the title refers to Olivia Newton-John, with titles of her songs also appearing in the lyrics.
It portrays a woman who has been heartbroken and spends her lonely hours feeling comforted by Olivia’s voice—an experience that feels very relatable.
Although it wasn’t a big hit at the time, it gradually became established as a standard number.
LonelinessMrs. GREEN APPLE
This track, included on the album ANTENNA released in July 2023, squarely asks how we confront loneliness.
It portrays the protagonist’s introspection as they try to take a step forward despite their weakness and sense of stagnation, with lyrics that are striking for the heartbeat that emerges not by rejecting loneliness, but by accepting it.
In live performances, it’s unveiled amid a spectacle of pillars of flame in the darkness, and despite being an album track, it instantly raises the venue’s energy with its commanding presence.
The sound—where dark emotionality coexists with the driving force of dance music—is truly one of a kind.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you want to face yourself or when you want to confirm the feelings deep in your heart.
With Love to the Fighting WarriorsSazan Ōrusutāzu
A Southern All Stars number that makes you feel both the light and darkness of modern society.
It was used as the theme song for the film Flying Tire, based on Jun Ikeido’s novel and starring Tomoya Nagase of TOKIO.
The track perfectly fits the film’s story, which is steeped in the irrationality between big corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
When we crawl and fight our way through society, perhaps in the end, each person is alone.
We trust and are betrayed, we’re crushed by unfairness, what should exist doesn’t, and what shouldn’t exist does…
For those who fight in solitude within such a society, this song may well be the one that truly delivers love.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
The ballad “Gekkou” sung by Chihiro Onitsuka also became famous as the theme song for the popular TV drama TRICK, starring Yukie Nakama.
When you listen to it in lonely or difficult times, it somehow soothes you and gives you a little strength.
It’s that kind of song.
ResetMukai Taichi
Released in 2018, this song also served as the ending theme for the anime Run with the Wind.
Taichi Mukai’s gentle, comforting voice seeps into your heart over a laid-back melody.
Listening to it can give you great courage when you’re caught in days of self-questioning, when you’ve lost everything, or when you can’t trust anything.
Life has ups and downs for everyone.
When you can’t bring yourself to like who you are, or when you feel lonely even while connected to others, this song can help reset your heart.
If you want something that gently stays by your side in solitude, please give it a listen.
Lonely Sunmonoburaito
A track by Monobright, a band from Hokkaido.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Samurai High School” starring Haruma Miura.
The path we walk toward the future is often one we travel alone.
Even then, the lyrics say, the sun quietly and faithfully lights that road without a word.
As the title “Lonely Sun” suggests, the sun itself burns on in solitude.
It feels as if it’s encouraging you, saying that as long as the sun is there, you are not alone.
A classic anthem of loneliness: J-Pop to listen to when you're alone (21–30)
cherrysupittsu
Spitz, one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands, wrote “Cherry,” a ballad that has been sung across generations.
Although the lyrics are about heartbreak, the band’s light, breezy melody makes it a song that somehow leaves you feeling uplifted after listening.