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.

Playlist

Masterpieces that sing about loneliness: J-pop to listen to when you're alone
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Beautiful WorldUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s Evangelion theme song. It depicts loneliness.
2	don’t cry anymoremiwa		miwa’s debut song, an empowering anthem of strong determination
3	I was afraid of being alone.Nakajima Takui		A song that sings of the fear of loneliness and strength
4	Arpeggio[Alexandros]		Alexander's powerful sense of solitude
5	Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK		The courage to stand out and how to face loneliness
6	Darkening RoomArai Yumi		A classic song that sings of the sorrow of youth
7	aquariumTakahashi Yuu		Yu Takahashi’s “aquarium” is a moving song themed around loneliness.
8	Rendezvous with SolitudeSambomasutā		A song by Sambomaster about the resolve to overcome loneliness
9	An unwavering heartAAA		A song of courage with an unyielding heart
10	crescent moonayaka		Ayaka’s smash hit “Mikazuki” is a ballad that sings of loneliness
11	Forest of HumansMoriyama Naotaro		Noriyuki Moriyama’s heart-stirring song with a theme of loneliness
12	Tears of MagnoliaStardust Revue		A ballad that longs for a loved one
13	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Atsushi Terao’s Showa-era classic song “Ruby no Yubiwa” (Ruby Ring)
14	pure whiteBikkeburanka		A song that amplifies Vickeblanka’s sense of loneliness
15	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s debut song, Feelings for Olivia
16	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka’s healing songs
17	With Love to the Fighting WarriorsSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars' social anthem
18	ResetMukai Taichi		Taichi Mukai's uplifting cheer song
19	Even if it’s one of a kindkujira		Whale songs ease the anxieties of the heart
20	Lonely Sunmonoburaito		Even in loneliness, the sun will shine on me.
21	LonelinessMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song about embracing loneliness and deciding to take the first step
22	cherrysupittsu		Spitz’s “Cherry” is a masterpiece.
23	Fragment of SolitudeAnjura Aki		The theme song with Angela Aki’s warm singing voice
24	Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s timeless masterpieces move people across generations
25	EveryhomeOnitsuka Chihiro		You need the strength to face it alone.
26	Under the big onionbakufū suranpu		The boy cannot keep his promise to his pen friend.
27	Resignation from being humanboku no ririkku no bouyomi		A song depicting the loneliness and pain of not fitting in with those around you
28	monotoneYOASOBI		YOASOBI's new song depicting loneliness and connection
29	Just… I want to see youEXILE		A ballad by EXILE, featuring the charm of ATSUSHI’s vocals
30	The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro		A song that sings of the loneliness at summer’s end
31	I’m just living for happiness.SUPER BEAVER		Facing loneliness and inner conflict to pursue happiness
32	ParadoxSUPER BEAVER		Expressing the emotions of complex human relationships through rock
33	For example, if I were to dieMorita Doji		Morita Doji’s iconic song of loneliness is covered across generations
34	It always begins with rain.ASKA		ASKA's rain song becomes a big hit
35	After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke		A song that sings of the loneliness after a festival
36	A Naked Heartaimyon		Aimyon, a song that gently wraps tender feelings of love
37	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song is loved around the world
38	single bedSha ran Q		A lonely ballad song by Sharam Q
39	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A song that made Anzenchitai into stars
40	ALONELEX		A love story that never fades amid change
41	YujiNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Yūji” remains highly popular.
42	Wonderlandiri		Expressing the emotional journey from darkness to light through R&B
43	At HomeNakajima Miyuki		The resolve and loneliness of leaving one’s hometown to walk a new path
44	Lonely in TokyoMirei Touyama		Introduction to Mirei Touyama's new song
45	Black BirdAimer		Aimer's song Black Bird
46	North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki		A song by Noriyuki Makihara that depicts winter loneliness
47	SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song that expresses the feelings of people with hearing loss as beautifully as snow
48	STAND-ALONEAimer		Introduction to Aimer’s songs about loneliness
49	ElfAdo		An anthem that supports facing loneliness and living true to yourself
50	I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma		A hit song that sings about the feelings in a long-distance relationship
51	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		SUPER BEAVER's ballad depicting bonds between people
52	FightNakajima Miyuki		An anthem to rally myself during tough times
53	biting my lipyoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida's famous song about loneliness
54	Crying in the rain…Yanagi Jōji & Rainīuddo		George Yanagi's classic song is cool.
55	I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda’s famous song “I Can’t Put It Into Words”
56	Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo		A warm song where a loved one’s smile supports the heart
57	Another SaturdayHamada Shogo		The loneliness of a man with unrequited love and his enduring longing as he waits
58	He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon		Aimyon, a song that questions life and the meaning of living
59	ODD TAXIsukaato to PUNPEE		A lo-fi beat track depicting a city nightscape
60	Night SwingShinsei Kamattechan		A sad gem by Shinsei Kamattechan that expresses loneliness and a sense of loss
61	shadowShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki’s poignant masterpiece, the theme song of Into the White Night
62	TokyoKuwata Keisuke		A gem of a masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata that portrays the loneliness of a rainy night
63	Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko		Sachiko Kobayashi’s signature song “Omoide-zake”
64	If I can see you in my dreamsSuzuki Masayuki		Dreaming of reuniting with my lover through Masayuki Suzuki’s classic ballads
65	loadTHE toraburyū		The loneliness of a man who lost his lover in a traffic accident
66	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		A spirited cheer song by Sukima Switch
67	Then, my friendyakozen		Nogodzen’s Youth Fight Song