A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
The word mibōjin originally referred to a woman who had lost her husband.
It’s a term that isn’t used much these days, but it was originally used to refer to oneself, and it has appeared in various contexts—such as drama and movie titles, as well as song lyrics.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs we hope will be heard by those who have lost a beloved partner: women who have lost their husbands, men who have lost their wives, or anyone who has lost someone dear to them.
We’ve gathered love songs that express feelings for a loved one who has departed for heaven, as well as songs that convey messages from those who have passed on.
Please listen while thinking of your special someone.
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Songs I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to (41–50)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
A gem-like, soul-stirring ballad by Ken Hirai that delicately portrays the deep sorrow and sense of loss after losing a loved one.
The story begins with a morning awakening, and the everyday moments and memories shared with the person who is gone are beautifully recounted.
A pure wish to let a cherished presence live on forever in one’s heart resonates throughout the lyrics, accompanied by vivid, moving imagery.
Released in April 2004, it topped the annual Oricon singles chart.
As the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” this work is etched into the memories of many and gently embraces the hearts of those left behind in times of parting.
Maplesupittsu
A gemlike ballad that gently embraces the aching feeling of being unable to accept an eternal farewell.
While tucking away the other person’s smile and voice deep in the heart, a quiet resolve to move forward still resonates.
Released as a single from the album “Fake Fur,” recorded in March 1998, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Over Time” and TV Asahi’s special drama “A Mother’s Last Day.” Featuring Spitz’s characteristically delicate arrangement and Masamune Kusano’s tender vocals, this piece has continued to be covered by numerous artists.
For those trying to overcome parting with a loved one or face the sense of loss within, it offers companionship and the courage to gradually look ahead.
ReplyTakeuchi Mariya
“Reply” is about the Navy’s Kaiten during the Pacific War—manned torpedoes piloted solo toward enemy ships, with a survival rate of zero.
While the Air Force’s kamikaze units are widely known, the Navy also had young men who lost their lives in the same way, leaving letters to their sweethearts.
Though they would not become widows, this song imagines what a reply from such a sweetheart might have been like.
Your SkyOku Hanako
“Kimi no Sora” is a song by Hanako Oku.
It’s included on her 2006 debut album “Yasashii Hana no Saku Basho,” which also features “Koi Tsubomi,” used on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
The lyrics—singing, “My partner has passed away, yet it’s as if they’re only sleeping”—are heart-wrenching to hear.
The song also speaks to feelings that don’t fade with time, making it one I strongly recommend to anyone who has recently lost a partner.
It’s a masterpiece that conveys how, sometimes, time can bring healing.
Thank you…KOKIA
“Arigatou…” released in 1999 by singer-songwriter KOKIA, is a song filled with gratitude for a loved one who has been lost.
Sung in KOKIA’s straightforward, warmly resonant voice, its simple yet powerful lyrics convey deep appreciation for someone dear and a resolve to live strongly from here on.
It frees listeners’ hearts from the pain of loss.
Even the “thank you” left unsaid will surely reach them if you keep thinking of it.
Why not listen while looking up at the sky, thinking of the one you love?
That person’s letterRimi Natsukawa・Kousetsu Minami
This song was produced in 1978, during the Kaguya-hime era.
Although the heyday of folk songs had already passed, it still appeals to society by turning a sad incident that occurred during wartime into a song.
A husband who was supposed to be at the front returns home… but in the end, a cruel truth awaits.
Letter to Heavenōru kyojin (kabā)
This is a single released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Master Kyojin—better known as part of the famous manzai duo All Hanshin Kyojin.
Kansai dialect has a certain brightness to it, but the repeated words “I want to see you” addressed to her late husband reveal her feelings as a wife, even as she bravely raises their two children.