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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Japanese Masterpieces That Sing of Sorrow (31–40)
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.
Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi
“Asakusa Kid” by Beat Takeshi is a classic song based on his own experiences.
It’s a sad song, but not only sad—it also carries feelings of nostalgia and longing for a bygone youth.
It’s a song that many different artists have covered.
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.
MissingKubota Toshinobu
When it comes to sad love songs by Toshinobu Kubota, “Missing” is the first that comes to mind.
Although it’s an old song, it’s a masterpiece, so it doesn’t feel dated at all.
If you listen to it alone in the middle of the night, the tears will naturally start to fall.
Japanese masterworks about sorrow (41–50)
younger sisterMinami Kōsetsu
Kôsuke Minami’s “Imouto” (Younger Sister) is, above all, a sorrowful song—and one filled with deep affection for a younger sister.
Especially for men who actually have a younger sister, it will surely bring an unstoppable flow of tears.
Though it is music, it conveys a drama that feels like watching a high-quality film.
biting my lipyoshida takurou
Takuro Yoshida’s “Biting My Lip” is also a very sad and heartrending song.
However, it isn’t all sorrow.
Beyond it, you can sense something like a faintly glowing hope.
It’s also known as the theme song for the film Detective Story.