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 (51–60)
Another SaturdayHamada Shogo
Shogo Hamada’s “Another Saturday” is truly a song for adults.
It’s about secretly loving a woman who, sadly, loves someone else—but telling her, “I’ll wait for you as long as it takes.” I bet many people can relate to the lyrics about a lonely man.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon
It’s a soul-stirring song that confronts the weight of life.
Released as Aimyon’s ambitious major-label debut in November 2016, it layers warm, heartfelt lyrics over stark despair to question the preciousness and sanctity of living.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?”, its fresh yet powerful vocals resonated deeply with listeners.
Blending elements of folk and pop rock, the song is carried by the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which stand beside those who have felt loneliness or the difficulty of living at least once, quietly echo in the listener’s heart.
When you’re feeling down or troubled, try listening to it alone in silence.
ODD TAXIsukaato to PUNPEE
This track features a sophisticated lo-fi beat that flows like the hustle and bustle of the city and the scenery of the night.
Skirt’s acoustic guitar and the saxophone crafted by PUNPEE beautifully capture the urban views you glimpse on a nighttime drive.
While portraying urban solitude and complex human relationships with a distinctive touch, the city as seen from a taxi driver’s perspective resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in April 2021 as the opening theme for the TV anime Odd Taxi, a re-recorded version was included on the album SONGS in November 2022.
It’s a piece that carries a mature afterglow, perfect for late-night drives or quiet moments in a nighttime café.
Night SwingShinsei Kamattechan
A sorrowful yet beautiful piece, marked by the striking image of the protagonist standing alone in a nighttime playground bathed in the gentle light of a crescent moon.
Included on Shinsei Kamattechan’s album “Danchi Thesis,” released in January 2025, this song masterfully conveys loneliness and a sense of loss through its fantastical worldview and uniquely weightless sound.
As the protagonist’s emotions are quietly sketched over a wavering waltz in 3/4 time, it exudes a mysterious allure that makes the boundary between reality and dreams seem to dissolve.
It’s a track that accompanies life’s turning points—graduations, farewells, and more.
An ideal song to listen to in those quiet moments of the night when your heart begins to sway.
Masterpieces that sing of loneliness: J-Pop to listen to when you’re alone (61–70)
shadowShibasaki Kou
A masterpiece steeped in melancholy and poignancy, strikingly rendered in a 3/4 rhythm.
Feelings of loneliness, sorrow, and complex emotions toward a loved one are conveyed through Ko Shibasaki’s translucent vocals and the piano’s quiet melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
The beautiful, medium-tempo melody weaves a story alongside the delicate tone of the guitar—truly breathtaking.
Released in February 2006 and serving as the theme song for the TBS drama “Byakuyakō,” the piece struck a deep chord with audiences, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and appearing on numerous releases, including the albums “Kiki ♥” and “Single Best.” The lyrics, penned by Ko Shibasaki herself with a keen grasp of the novel’s world, and the stirring melody gently embrace the hearts of those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.
TokyoKuwata Keisuke
A heart-stirring ballad that delicately portrays loneliness and a sense of loss against the backdrop of a rain-soaked city nightscape.
With Keisuke Kuwata’s signature deep vocals and melodies, it gently envelops the bittersweet emotions of people living in the city.
Exuding a suspense-drama atmosphere, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks immediately after its June 2002 release.
Featured on the album “ROCK AND ROLL HERO,” it drew widespread attention and received high acclaim, including Song of the Year at the 17th Japan Gold Disc Awards.
It’s a gem of a masterpiece that reflects the mature heart—one you’ll want to listen to quietly on a solitary rainy night.
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Omoide-zake” can be considered her signature song, as it was an especially big hit among her many successes.
The image of drinking sake while thinking of a beloved man who is no longer there vividly evokes the quintessentially enka, Showa-era scene.