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. Recommended popular songs.
- [When You're Lonely] A Collection of Songs That Resonate With Those All Alone
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- When you want to be alone: recommended masterpieces and popular songs for times you crave solitude
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- When you want to immerse yourself in music alone! Tear-jerker songs released in the Reiwa era
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
A classic anthem of loneliness: J-Pop to listen to when you're alone (21–30)
ALONELEX
In today’s world, where we can’t help but be swept along by the passage of time, many of us may feel frustrated by relationships and environments that inevitably change.
Released by LEX in October 2025, this new song is a ballad that delivers, in straightforward words, a love that doesn’t fade even amid the swirl of change.
Arranged by pctyo and nabeLTD, the minimal track and restrained 808s highlight the vocals.
It’s a number that gently conveys the feelings of a protagonist who continues to hold someone in their heart.
ParadoxSUPER BEAVER
A song that portrays the complexities of human relationships, its melodious rock sound and striking lyrics resonate deeply.
It skillfully expresses the conflicting feelings of wanting to be understood by others and the fear of revealing one’s true self, gripping the listener’s heart.
With powerful vocals and a full-band sound, this track draws out emotions from deep within.
The song is included on the album “I Love You,” released in February 2021.
It marks a milestone work for SUPER BEAVER as they re-signed with Sony Music Records.
The same album also features tracks such as the opening theme for the TV anime “Haikyu!! TO THE TOP,” making for a rich lineup.
It’s a recommended listen when you’re struggling with relationships or unsure whether to share your feelings with someone.
Classic songs that sing of solitude: J-POP to listen to when you're alone (31–40)
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
Naotaro Moriyama’s “End of Summer,” as its title suggests, is a song that sings of the loneliness that comes with summer’s end.
It often played on TV during the summer Koshien season and became a hit.
No matter the era, the end of summer is tinged with melancholy and a sense of solitude.
It always begins with rain.ASKA
ASKA’s “Hajimari wa Itsumo Ame” (“It Always Starts with Rain”) was released in 1991 and became a record-breaking hit.
It’s also well known as a Panasonic commercial song.
That year, ASKA was at the peak of his popularity, also releasing the single “SAY YES” as CHAGE & ASKA.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
One of the most beloved songs every Japanese person knows is Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukou.” It became popular even in faraway America as the “Sukiyaki Song.” Though it’s about loneliness, by the time you finish listening, you feel encouraged—it’s that kind of uplifting anthem.
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
“Wine Red no Kokoro” is said to have left a strong impression on the members of Anzen Chitai as the song that catapulted them to stardom.
The track also drew attention at the time for being produced by singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue.
monotoneYOASOBI
A sophisticated pop tune that delicately depicts the emotional journey of facing loneliness.
Released digitally on October 1, 2024, the song has also garnered attention as the theme for the original feature-length animated film “Fureru.” It’s a new track commemorating the 5th anniversary of YOASOBI’s formation as well.
The sense of loneliness felt in modern society and the longing for connection are expressed through a driving melody and ikura’s emotionally rich vocals.
It captures the unique sense of distance between people that we feel precisely because communication tools have become so advanced.
It’s a song that stays close to those feelings—perfect for times when you’re struggling with relationships or want to reflect on yourself.