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!
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Masterpieces of Japanese songs about sorrow (21–30)
In loveHY
A gem of a love song that portrays the journey of looking forward after heartbreak.
It gently expresses the acceptance of a past breakup and the growth that comes from that experience, carried by a tender melody.
It’s a memorable masterpiece marked by a positive spirit—gratitude for the encounter, and a resolve to cherish the memories even if the love was not meant to be.
Included on the album “TIME,” this song was written as the theme for the film “366 Days,” set for release in January 2025.
Positioned as an answer song to “366 Days,” which depicts unrequited love, it completes the story by tracing the path to recovery from heartbreak.
A heartwarming ballad that will resonate with those who have overcome the pain of a breakup or who hold dear the memories of a precious love.
ElegyBONNIE PINK
A gem of a ballad where a quiet melody and deep prayer resonate.
With BONNIE PINK’s gentle vocals and a softly moving melody, this piece was newly written as the ending theme for the 2022 hibakusha documentary films “for you: Hito no Tame ni” and “Ikiru FROM NAGASAKI.” Featured on the album “Infinity,” it carries a powerful message that, while reflecting on life’s doubts and inner conflicts, weaves a thread of hope for the future.
Crafted by Ovall’s bassist-producer, its refined sound—where piano and guitar blend beautifully—is another highlight.
Perfect for calm twilight hours or quiet moments spent deepening thoughts of someone dear, this song will gently bring a tender light to your heart.
Maplesupittsu
A gem of a ballad that weaves a fleeting yet beautiful farewell scene with a clear, transparent melody.
Released by Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur,” this song tenderly sings of longing for what has been lost.
It portrays the heartache that gradually softens over time and the strength to keep looking forward, carried by a warm, gentle performance.
Beginning with its use in the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Over Time” and continuing through to the network’s 2022 series “silent,” it has colored many stories.
It’s a song to listen to when your heart is deeply wounded or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.
Masamune Kusano’s tender, comforting vocals are sure to become a source of support for your heart.
Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu
Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.
The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.
Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.
The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.
In that casemakaroni enpitsu
A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.
While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.
The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.
Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.
A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.
ELEGYShunsuke Kiyokiba
A gem of a ballad woven with delicate emotions.
Setting heartache and loneliness to a beautiful melody, it is a soulful work by Shunsuke Kiyokiba that sings of the pain of a love that is slipping away.
Its poetic worldview, which overlays a farewell with a loved one onto the imagery of dawn, leaves a deep afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Released in November 2018, the song is included on the album “CHANGE.” It’s a piece that gently stays by your side when you want to cherish bittersweet memories of love or spend a trembling night alone.
Kiyokiba’s powerful yet delicate vocals tenderly embrace the pain of heartbreak and parting.
footprint(s)Kobukuro
A song that gently weaves a farewell to a beloved presence.
Looking back on days spent with a cherished dog, it portrays with warmth the traces that presence left on the heart, even as it accepts an eternal parting.
Its acoustic sound and melody offer comfort to the feelings of pet loss—an experience many may face.
Included on Kobukuro’s album “QUARTER CENTURY,” released in September 2024, this piece gives courage to move forward: to carry the sorrow of losing a loved one while never forgetting gratitude for the time shared.
It is a song that will bring deep empathy and healing to those who have lost a precious family member.