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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Masterpieces that sing of loneliness: J-POP to listen to when you’re alone (41–50)
At HomeNakajima Miyuki
This is a work by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays the resolve to sever ties with the place one ought to return to and to live in the place one stands now.
Watching the last train bound for her hometown depart, the protagonist deliberately chooses not to go back—an image that overlaps with the loneliness and determination of someone breaking away from their past life to walk a new path alone.
The piece was included on the acclaimed 1977 June release “A-RI-GA-TO-U” and is also widely known as the B-side to the smash single “Wakare Uta.” It has been cherished as a song that colors the world of dramas crafted by So Kuramoto as well.
The warm folk sound seems to gently envelop both the loneliness that follows a major decision and the strength to keep looking forward despite it.
Lonely in TokyoMirei Touyama
Singer-songwriter Mirei Touyama.
This is “Lonely in Tokyo,” released under the name MIREI and gaining attention.
Its long-awaited Japanese-lyrics version is “Lonely in Tokyo (Japanese ver.).” The song captures the feelings of a woman who feels lonely even when she has family or a lover.
With a club-music vibe, it’s perfect for when you want to get hyped up.
It also sounds fun to compare the two versions and their lyrics.
Black BirdAimer
This is a song by Aimer that overlays feelings of envy and a longing to be loved onto the image of a single black bird.
Released as a single in September 2018, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Penny Rain.” It was also chosen as the theme song for the live-action film “KASANE -Beauty and Fate-,” starring Tao Tsuchiya and Kyoko Yoshine in dual leads, capturing a mysterious and weighty atmosphere.
The way it gives voice to darker emotions like inferiority and impatience through a dramatic blend of strings and band sound is truly breathtaking.
It’s the kind of song that will surely stay close to your complicated heart on nights when you want to confront your own weaknesses and jealousy.
North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki
This song is one of Noriyuki Makihara’s winter tracks.
Originally included as the B-side to his second single “ANSWER” under the title “Kitakaze” (North Wind), he later self-covered and released it.
While the melody evokes a warm, wintry feel, the lyrics portray a sense of loneliness brought on by the north wind.
It’s precisely in such solitary moments that the narrator wants to meet that special someone and share many things, yet fears those words will be blown away again by the wind of loneliness—a poignantly emotional lyric that is quintessentially Makihara.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
This song is marked by a poignant melody that evokes the chill of winter.
Created by Official HIGE DANDism in October 2022 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “silent,” it closely aligns with the drama’s worldview.
While empathizing with the feelings of someone who has lost their words, it delicately paints unspoken emotions and warmth through subtle tones.
The work portrays the protagonist—who has lost their hearing—trying to convey their feelings to a loved one, expressed through the fragile, crystal-like beauty of snowflakes.
Its quiet, beautiful melody leaves a deep impression on listeners’ hearts, offering comfort to those facing farewells with loved ones or carrying feelings that cannot be put into words.
STAND-ALONEAimer
This is a song by Aimer that poignantly sings of aching loneliness within a digital soundscape.
Released in May 2019, it drew major attention as the theme song for the first chapter of the Nippon TV drama “Anata no Ban Desu.” The grandeur woven by piano and strings, infused with a subtly cold digital texture, makes the cry of an isolated heart resonate even more vividly.
The track was later included on the album Walpurgis.
It’s a song that will likely strike deep when you want to face yourself alone at night or quietly calm your mind.
ElfAdo
A powerful performance by Ado that resonates as an anthem for those who carry loneliness yet keep moving forward.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for the drama “Who Watched the Peacock’s Dance?”, this work brilliantly captures the world of the series starring Suzu Hirose.
While staying close to the feelings of a protagonist who continues a solitary struggle, it sings of the preciousness of living true to oneself, making it a song that deeply touches the hearts of those weary from work or life.
It’s an encouraging track we especially recommend to anyone feeling lost or anxious in their daily life, or to those who have paused midway on their own path.