A classic Japanese song that sings of sorrow
In everyday life, we all go through sad experiences—like heartbreak or setbacks at work.
When you’re feeling down, some people listen to upbeat, energizing songs to lift their spirits, while others intentionally choose sad songs.
Which are you?
Sometimes, letting yourself sink into the ultimate sentimental mood with a sad song can actually make the sadness fade.
Here, we’ll introduce some classic Japanese songs that sing of sorrow!
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
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- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- Hidden gems of yami songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- Masterpieces with the theme of “tears.” A roundup of moving tracks that tug at the heartstrings.
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs
Japanese masterpieces about sorrow (61–70)
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
It’s a gentle song that expresses feelings and gratitude toward a lover who has gone away.
Rather than making you feel heartbroken, it’s a breakup song that transforms the pain of a broken heart into a gentle warmth.
It’s also great for karaoke and can get everyone excited, so it’s recommended for high school students.
tear(s)KANA-BOON
Even if somewhere deep down I know there’s no going back, I still can’t let go.
It’s a song written from a male perspective, shedding tears while thinking of someone precious.
With straightforward lyrics that hit you right in the heart, it’s a KANA-BOON track that sings of a bittersweet yet honest heartbreak.
This song is also highly popular among fans.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
When you’re going through a tough time, its catchy melody and KENTA’s powerful vocals are a surefire remedy for heartbreak.
At the same time, it’s a song that inspires optimism and a can-do attitude—if you try, you can do it; if you don’t, you can’t.
If you’ve suffered a painful breakup, listen to this track and take on the next challenge!
petalback number
A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.
The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.
While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.
This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.
Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.
remainingYoshizawa Kayoko
A song overflowing with Kayoko Yoshizawa’s unique charm, produced by Tomohiko Gondo, who has also worked on tracks for AAA and Kyoko Koizumi.
The lyrics, which say, “Even after the breakup, it feels like you’re everywhere, and every day I keep thinking of you,” will strike a painfully deep chord with anyone nursing a broken heart.
Listening when you want a good cry might just clear your mind.
Since its 2017 release, it has surpassed 5 million views on video sites and continues to steadily rack up more.
The music video—capturing the rough-and-tumble cityscape with a certain beauty—is a must-see.
Even if you’re short on time, don’t miss it!
I still believe ~sigh~Shizukusa Yumi
A heartbreak song by Yumi Shizukusa—an artist whose uniquely moving voice and delicate vibrato have earned wide popularity, and who has also performed theme songs for a nationally beloved anime.
It’s an unrequited love number that expresses feelings that won’t come true no matter how strongly you wish for them.
Sad SakeMisora Hibari
Hibari Misora’s “Kanashii Sake” is a classic that pours the pain of heartbreak into a song through the metaphor of alcohol.
She drinks to forget a former lover, only for the memories to flood back instead—those bittersweet feelings seep into the heart through her voice.
Since its 1966 release, the song has continued to comfort many listeners.
It’s said that Hibari herself sang it with tears in her eyes, and the depth of that emotion is truly moving.
For anyone quietly trying to accept the end of a romance, this is a song that will gently stay by your side.