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!

Playlist

A classic Japanese song that sings of sorrow
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki		Masaki Ueda’s signature song “Kanashii Iro Ya Ne”
2	Heartbreak—Are you happy now?sonā poketto		Sonar Pocket’s heartbreak song portrays lingering feelings for an ex.
3	The Rain and Meback number		A sad breakup love song by back number
4	dizzinessDREAMS COME TRUE		A heartbreak ballad by DREAMS COME TRUE
5	Why do I feel so sad?yoshida takurou		Timeless songs that soothe the loneliness of night: the music of Takuro Yoshida
6	Good ByeHY		A soothing song that sings of gratitude and a positive heart
7	The song that comes afterback number		A hidden gem by back number that portrays the pain of heartbreak
8	KanadeSukima Suichi		A farewell song that resonates with the heart, thoughts of growth
9	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		The metronome’s misalignment reflects the relationship.
10	Until the day I can no longer rememberback number		A heartrending ballad that sings of the pain and sense of loss of a broken heart.
11	No way I’m going to forget it.SHISHAMO		Emo rock that hurls the emotions of heartbreak
12	Blue amberback number		Back Number’s masterpiece: a deep story of sorrow and love
13	rendezvousshaitoopu		Sheitoupe, popular on social media, depicts the pain of heartbreak.
14	I wanted to kiss you again.B’z		Bittersweet feelings for a love that is slipping away
15	Love of 108 YenCreepHyp		CreepHyp’s heartrending love song
16	I’ll wait.amin		Amin’s classic song “Matsu wa” is a masterpiece.
17	One More Time, One More ChanceYamazaki Masayoshi		A heartrending masterpiece by Masayoshi Yamazaki, with superb dynamics and pacing.
18	hydrangeaShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki’s song that layers love and farewell onto hydrangeas
19	tear(s)Marushii		A heart-touching song that portrays the bittersweet pain of heartbreak
20	Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai		A message song imbued with Harukamirai’s hope and strong will
21	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
22	ElegyBONNIE PINK		BONNIE PINK’s ballad of hope and prayer
23	To the most important personTonneruzu		Lyrics of a timeless song by Tunnels that resonate with the heart
24	ElegyHirai Ken		A masterpiece that expresses a woman's romantic feelings through Ken Hirai's singing voice
25	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A gentle breakup song that puts you in a positive mood
26	From our joined handsback number		A poignant ballad that realizes the importance of a lost love
27	Your LoveFurui Riho		A ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak, giving courage and hope
28	MPRINCESS PRINCESS		Princess Princess's classic song 'M' resonates with my heart.
29	loadTHE toraburyū		The classic song “Road,” which sings about a love lost in an accident.
30	painVaundy		A song that raises questions as it confronts the absurdity of life
31	Goodbyeofukōsu		Kazumasa Oda’s classic “Sayonara”: an unchanging, timeless voice
32	footprint(s)Kobukuro		A song about parting with a beloved dog and a heart full of gratitude
33	budKobukuro		A masterpiece whose buds resonate with the heart
34	single bedSha ran Q		A smash hit song about the sorrow of a broken heart
35	Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū		Tears of the magnolia, a heartrending longing for a loved one
36	Maplesupittsu		A gem-like ballad by Spitz that poignantly sings of lost feelings
37	Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi		Asakusa Kid is a classic song of youth and nostalgia.
38	Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu		An inspiring song by Macaroni Empitsu
39	In that casemakaroni enpitsu		Macaroni Enpitsu’s heartbreak song
40	MissingKubota Toshinobu		Toshinobu Kubota’s classic song “Missing” brings you to tears.
41	younger sisterMinami Kōsetsu		A moving song filled with deep love for my younger sister
42	biting my lipyoshida takurou		A song of hope shining within sorrow
43	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		Yoshie Kashiwabara’s sad heartbreak song
44	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A bittersweet love song for adults, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
45	chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki		Nostalgic Memories and the Chicken Rice Song
46	ELEGYShunsuke Kiyokiba		A ballad that beautifully sings of the pain of heartbreak
47	Under the big onionbakufū suranpu		A poignant ballad that follows the course of a coming-of-age story
48	Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken		Naoko Ken covers Keisuke Kuwata’s classic song.
49	I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa		A classic song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance relationship
50	ZOOECHOES		The classic song by Jinsei Tsuji’s rock band ECHOES
51	Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi		A classic song that sings of love and hope for marriage
52	applausechiaki naomi		Legendary singer, captivated by a beautiful song
53	Our FailureMorita Doji		A masterpiece that sings of the loneliness and sorrow of youth
54	LOVEDMISIA		Even heartbreak can turn into a good memory.
55	Never Grow Upchanmina		A Chanmina song that portrays the pain and growth of heartbreak
56	I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu		Off Course’s heartrending classic, the pain of parting
57	Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā		A heartbreak song by Golden Bomber
58	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s poignant love classic that sings of longing
59	Pain		Sorrow and heartache for a loved one
60	Loyal Dog Boku-kō35.7		A heartbreak ballad about waiting for an ex-lover
61	If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer		The hope that people grow through heartbreak
62	Just… I miss youEXILE		A signature heartbreak song, popular at karaoke
63	NAOHY		HY’s heartbreak song “NAO” resonates with the heart.
64	youHY		It’s a heartbreak song. I couldn’t be honest and now I regret it, but…
65	In loveHY		A gem of a ballad that portrays the feelings of overcoming heartbreak and moving forward
66	tear(s)KANA-BOON		An unshakable love and a heartrending longing
67	together; along with; bothWANIMA		An anthem to help you get over heartbreak—let’s move forward.
68	petalback number		A heartbreak song layered over cherry blossom petals
69	remainingYoshizawa Kayoko		A song by Kayoko Yoshizawa that sings about the pain of heartbreak
70	I still believe ~sigh~Shizukusa Yumi		Yumi Shizukusa's heart-wrenching breakup song
71	Sad SakeMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s famous song that entrusted the pain of heartbreak to alcohol
72	OverMr.Children		A song with a mysterious atmosphere after a heartbreak
73	tragic heroineMy Hair is Bad		A bittersweet coming-of-age song about heartbreak that resonates with the heart
74	To You Who Don’t Know LoveNEWS		Theme song of NEWS's “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”
75	HappinessSHE’S		A poignant SHE’S classic that sings of the pain of heartbreak: “Happiness.”
76	BYE BYESHISHAMO		A hopeful song about getting over a broken heart
77	I×USilent Siren		A bittersweet love song that lingers in winter memories
78	Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS		A love song that wishes for the other person’s happiness even after a heartbreak
79	Moon Song[Alexandros]		A poignant song by [Alexandros] that sings about the pain of heartbreak.
80	Happy Endingback number		An emotional breakup song by back number
81	I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number		A refreshing song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows.
82	Happinessback number		The heartache and torment of a love that cannot be reciprocated
83	spring breezeflumpool		A poignant masterpiece by flumpool that sings of the importance of everyday life
84	Regretsumika		A song that refreshingly portrays the pain of heartbreak
85	wishsumika		A song of poignant unrequited love and hope
86	mutual feelingsthe shes gone		A song of heartbreak, regret, and healing—melodies that resonate with the heart
87	I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo		A rock band’s song that portrays the turmoil of a heartrending love
88	Love songSambomasutā		A heartrending love song that sings of the pain of a broken heart
89	Sad Colors, huh? ~ OSAKA BAY BLUESUeda Masaki		A masterpiece where you can fully feel the charm of good old songs…
90	I can’t stop this sadnessAnri		I don’t think that’s their intention at all, but…
91	Kanna Route 8Matsutōya Yumi		Included in their own best-of album, ...
92	Tokyoichou BOYZ		A bittersweet song of memories by Ging Nang BOYZ
93	Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo		It was also the theme song for a youth drama starring Toshiaki Karasawa…
94	The Silence of Sunlight Through the TreesUryū Akiha		Depending on how you look at it, it might not be heartbreak…
95	Hello, Sadnesssaitou yuki		AAA's 'Koioto to Amazora' is a ballad popular with people of all ages and genders.
96	SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		A film adaptation of a band song that portrays the bittersweetness of youth.
97	Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)sadamasashi		Spirit Boat Floating, Masashi Sada's classic, heart-stirring
98	Love is overŌyō Fifi		Fei-fei Ouyang’s heartbreak song “Love Is Over”
99	Shadows of Youthchūrippu		Light and shadow of youth, joy and sorrow
100	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic song “Listening to Olivia”