Tear-jerking love songs: classic and popular hits from Japanese music

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.

For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.

petalback number

back number – Hanabira (full)

A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.

The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.

While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.

This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.

Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.

the depths of the heartgood-for-nothing

Rokudenashi “In the Depths of the Heart” / Rokudenashi – Deep Down [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.

It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.

While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.

waiting in vaingood-for-nothing

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.

That’s not fair...Are-kun

That's not fair... / Ale-kun [Official Music Video]

Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.

While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.

Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.

Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.

MetronomeKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

This is a bittersweet love song delicately woven by Kenshi Yonezu.

It likens the growing misalignment of two people’s feelings to the ticking tempos of two metronomes, portraying from a male perspective how a tiny discrepancy gradually widens into an irreparable rift, even as he cannot forget the other person.

When in love, we tend to get carried away alone and assume the other person feels the same.

It’s important to consider things from their point of view—including whether you truly like them and whether they truly like you.

This work is included on the album “Bremen,” released in October 2015.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake’s music has the power to move listeners across generations.

This song, written as the theme for the drama “Eye Love You,” expresses feelings for someone far away.

With its refreshing groove and emotional lyrics, it drew major attention immediately upon its release in February 2024.

It’s also included on the album “Pieces,” where it has earned strong support from fans.

Overflowing with affection for someone dear, this track is recommended when you want to feel the bonds with a lover, family, or friends.

Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to warmly embrace your heart.