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

Happy Endingback number

back number – Happy End (full)

A touching song that sings of the aching feelings for a former lover.

The portrait of a woman who tries to act tough yet cannot sever her lingering attachment is striking.

It depicts the complex emotions of someone who, despite her words, still truly loves the other person.

Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s recommended as a chance to sort out your feelings if you’ve experienced parting from someone you love.

Let yourself be carried by back number’s gentle vocals and take a moment to face your own emotions.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

This is a poignant song about parting with someone dear.

Iyori Shimizu’s delicate vocals gently enfold the feelings for the one who was lost.

It carefully depicts the depth of their bond and the emptiness that follows their absence, making it a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.

The song was also selected as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo music program, winning widespread empathy.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to remember someone important, or reaffirm your feelings for them.

Why not close your eyes and listen slowly?

We're already broken up, you and I.AYANE

AYANE / We’ve already broken up, you and I (Lyric Video)

It’s a bittersweet love song that brings back memories of past relationships.

Released in January 2025, it’s included on the EP album “my luv.” AYANE’s clear, airy vocals are striking, and before you know it, you find yourself overlaying your own life onto the world of the lyrics.

The smooth, mellow R&B sound really seeps in, too.

It’s perfect for listening alone on nights when you can’t help but think of an ex.

By the time it ends, you might be able to look forward a little.

Song for…HY

Song for…

A gem of a ballad about a bittersweet love, gifted to us by HY, a band from Okinawa.

Izumi Nakasone’s clear, luminous voice gently embraces the heartache of a love forced to part.

Included on their 2004 album TRUNK, this song is known as a masterpiece that leaves a deep mark on listeners’ hearts.

Its lyrics, which comfort those suffering from a breakup or enduring a long-distance relationship, are sure to resonate with you.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play when you want to feel the bond with someone special, or on nights when you need to cry alone.

Gajumaru ~Heaven in the Rain~ReoNa

TV anime “Shangri-La Frontier” Cour 2 Non-Credit ED | ReoNa — “Gajumaru ~Heaven in the Rain~”

An emotionally moving work that depicts feelings for a precious person who has been lost.

Streaming began in January 2024, followed by a CD release in February of the same year.

It beautifully captures a poignant emotional state that can be interpreted as singing about bereavement.

It was also selected as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime Shangri-La Frontier.

ReoNa’s transparent vocals fully convey the protagonist of the lyrics, who strives to find hope even amid despair.

Centered on the themes of love and parting, this piece is recommended for anyone looking back on the past while trying to face forward.

FruitsRin-ne

Fruits

Rapper Rin-ne, who’s garnered attention for his everyday-life-inspired lyrics and rap skills strong enough to win multiple MC battles, teams up with asmi—often called “the most-used voice on social media”—on Fruits, the theme song for the Netflix series Let’s Get Divorced.

Even when you’ve decided to break up, you can’t help but still care; if you’ve ever been in love, that feeling might overlap with your own experience.

It’s a sentimental pop tune with a laid-back track and a poignant melody that really resonates.

LetterSHE’S

SHE’S – Letter【MV】

A gem of a song that renders delicate emotions, woven with melodies and words that sink into the heart.

Released by SHE’S in July 2020, this track is written around the theme of a letter to oneself and depicts the movements of the heart within human relationships.

The piano and band sound blend beautifully, gripping the listener.

The song is included on the album Tragicomedy and also appears on the Tricolor EP.

Its music video, starring Eiji Akaso and Mayuu Yokota, also drew attention.

This is a track for anyone worn out by daily life and on the verge of losing themselves.

It’s sure to resonate with your heart.