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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- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
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- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
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Japanese Masterpieces That Sing of Sorrow (31–40)
single bedSha ran Q
Sharan Q’s “Single Bed” is the smash hit that catapulted them to nationwide fame.
The song mournfully weaves lingering feelings for a departed lover and memories of their time together into the motif of a single bed.
It can be described as a heartbreak song.
Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū
There are few songs as heartrending and sorrowful as Stardust Revue’s “Magnolia’s Tears.” Sung in remembrance of a beloved person who has passed away, this song is filled with the grief and hardship of those left behind.
The superb vocals are absolutely outstanding.
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.
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.
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.
Japanese masterworks about sorrow (41–50)
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.
Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie
Yoshie Kashiwabara, who was active as a popular idol in the 1980s.
With her signature mature allure, she possessed a charm that set her apart from other idols.
“Harunanoni” is a heartbreak song steeped in sorrow—almost overwhelmingly so.