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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- [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)
ZOOECHOES
ECHOES is a rock band centered around Jinsei Tsuji, who is now primarily active as a writer.
Their song “ZOO” is a classic that poignantly sings of youth.
It’s a song that shows clearly that, in any era, young people struggle with similar things and keep doing their best.
Masterpieces of Japanese songs about sorrow (51–60)
Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi
Masashi Sada’s classic “Kampaku Sengen” is a song brimming not only with sorrow, but also with joy and love.
It tells the story of two people about to begin their married life.
You could even call it a love song from a husband to his wife.
It’s also a popular choice for karaoke.
applausechiaki naomi
Speaking of Naomi Chiaki, she is a legendary female singer.
When I listen to her song “Kassai” (Applause), I get the illusion that she’s singing about herself.
It’s a very sad song, but its melody and lyrics are so beautiful that I want to listen to it over and over again.
Our FailureMorita Doji
“Our Failure” by Doji Morita is also a classic that sings of sorrow.
It became a massive hit as the theme song for the popular TV drama High School Teacher.
Both the drama and the song felt overwhelmingly melancholic, offering little sense of hope and only deepening a feeling of suffocation.
LOVEDMISIA
Heartbreak is sad, but there are loves that make you glad you fell for that person, aren’t there? For those who feel that way, this song is recommended.
It might be painful now, but as time passes, it will turn into a good memory.
When you want someone to understand your painful heartbreak, listening to this song will calm your heart.
Never Grow Upchanmina
There are lots of heartbreak songs that pour out the pain of a broken heart.
Among them, the one I’ve picked this time is Chanmina’s “Never Grow Up.” The song moves along with a light rhythm, but its sound blends in a poignancy that doesn’t really feel bright.
The title could be interpreted to mean that heartbreak has stopped one’s growth.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
A massive hit song by Off Course, an artist beloved by people of all ages for their exceptionally rare high-tone vocals and the clear, transparent world of their music.
It’s a masterpiece that captures the pain and sorrow of a relationship ending—one you thought would last forever.