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 masterworks about sorrow (41–50)
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.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
Eigo Kawashima’s “Sake, Tears, Men and Women” is a bittersweet song for grown-ups.
When I listen to it, I picture a man who’s clumsy and blunt but kind at heart.
It’s also a popular choice at karaoke when people want to sing something mellow.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
This song, “Chicken Rice,” is also a very sad one.
As the singer recalls the chicken rice their mother used to make long ago, they grow nostalgic and let their thoughts wander to days gone by.
The charm of this song lies in its lyrics.
It possesses a universality that resonates with everyone.
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.
Under the big onionbakufū suranpu
Bakufu Slump’s “Under the Big Onion” is a ballad that never gets boring to listen to, with the song itself unfolding like a drama—its story progresses as the music goes on.
The content is a bittersweet coming-of-age tale.
Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken
Naoko Ken’s “Natsu o Akiramete” is a cover of a classic song by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars.
It has a different kind of appeal from Kuwata’s version.
In particular, Ken’s husky voice is perfect for expressing a mature, adult world.
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa
A masterpiece that depicts the heartache of a long-distance relationship, woven from a voice that resonates in the heart and heartrending lyrics.
It’s a gem born from the collaboration between Thelma Aoyama and SoulJa.
The feelings of lovers who think of each other even when apart are sung with a beautiful, chest-tightening melody.
Released in January 2008, it became so popular that it was recognized by Guinness as the best-selling full-track ringtone in Japan.
When you think of someone important who’s far away, listening to this song will surely bring a warm sense of closeness to your heart.