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)
Your LoveFurui Riho
A gem-like ballad by Furui Riho that gently stays close to the hearts of listeners carrying sorrow.
It’s a song that encourages you to reexamine a lost love and take a step toward self-realization.
The wistful vocals and melody resonate as if seeping into your heart.
Featured on the album “Love One Another” and released in April 2024, this track captured many hearts, receiving heavy airplay on 21 radio stations nationwide.
When you’re hurting from a breakup or standing at a crossroads in life, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to look forward.
It’s also recommended to listen while thinking of someone dear to you.
MPRINCESS PRINCESS
The song “M” by Princess Princess is a masterpiece packed with the uniquely feminine, sorrowful emotions that only a girls’ band can convey.
Princess Princess released many hit songs, but this is one of their most popular ballads.
It’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.
Japanese Masterpieces That Sing of Sorrow (31–40)
loadTHE toraburyū
When I think of songs that sing about sorrow, the first that comes to mind is THE Toraburyu’s “Road.” Released in 1993, it became a massive hit, selling 2.2 million copies.
It’s a love song that mourns a beloved person who passed away in an accident.
painVaundy
This song is imbued with deep insight into the absurdity of life.
It sincerely confronts the meaning of birth and the burdens humans carry, using weighty lyrics to raise probing questions.
Its mellow sound and arrangements that consciously evoke a subtle sense of dissonance make this message-driven track all the more striking.
Released on YouTube in June 2019, this work is Vaundy’s first original song as an artist.
It was also included on a CD released exclusively at a self-organized live show the same year, and was performed at a no-audience solo concert at Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO in August 2020.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to think deeply about how to live and your relationship with society, or when you wish to reexamine the meaning of life.
It gently stays close to the listener’s heart and will evoke profound empathy.
To the most important personTonneruzu
Although Tunnels is a comedy duo, they’ve released numerous songs that became hits.
“To the Most Important Person” is one such track, and its lyrics are highly message-driven, socially conscious, and filled with a sense of aching sadness.
Goodbyeofukōsu
The Showa-era classic “Sayonara” is a ballad by Off Course, the band led by Kazumasa Oda.
What’s astonishing is Oda’s singing voice.
The delicate, soaring tone that remains almost unchanged from then to now can only be described as miraculous.
budKobukuro
Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is a classic that every Japanese person knows.
With this song, the duo won numerous awards and cemented their standing.
No matter when or how many times you listen, it’s a sad yet beautiful ballad.
Their captivating vocals are also a highlight.