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

AitaiMiliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

WHYMiliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato “WHY”

Miliyah Kato’s number, born from the “why?” that arises out of romantic miscommunication, resonates painfully deep in the heart.

Set to a powerful, rock-tinged sound, this song straightforwardly expresses irreconcilable feelings and a cry from the heart.

Even while carrying a sense of helplessness, you can feel the strength to keep moving forward.

Released in November 2009, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart and was later included on the acclaimed album HEAVEN.

When you don’t understand how the other person feels and are suffering from questions with no answers, listening to it might feel like it speaks your emotions for you.

It’s sure to gently stay by the side of anyone struggling with a frustrating love.

Like the beginningRen

[PLANJ] ORIGINAL: 'Like the Beginning' – REN

This is a solo ballad written by REN of the global boy group JO1.

Set for release in July 2025, it’s his fourth solo track.

With a delicate vocal delivery, it captures the unease toward kindness that’s become routine and the premonition of a relationship’s end.

You can clearly feel the protagonist’s poignant resolve in lines like, “This way will be better for both of us.” It’s a song that will sink deep into your heart when you’re struggling with a cherished relationship or quietly reflecting on a breakup at night.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.

The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.

The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.

Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.

For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.

Song of PartingMiyuki Nakajima

Farewell Song

This is a song by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays a heartrending farewell where all you can do is watch the other person walk away.

The work depicts a protagonist who, while still holding onto lingering attachment and kindness for the other person, accepts an inescapable loneliness they can do nothing about.

The complex emotions born from years spent together are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the major turning point of divorce.

Released in September 1977, the song became Miyuki Nakajima’s first to top the Oricon charts.

It’s also known for being used as background music in the drama “Tokusou Saizensen.” You can also hear it on the album “Aishiteiru to Ittekure.” On nights when you feel crushed by an unbearable loneliness, don’t you think listening to this song might make you feel your feelings are being affirmed?

Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

This is a signature song by the male duo Sasuke, who disbanded once in 2009 and reunited in 2014.

It was covered by Tegomass in 2011.

As a classic breakup song, its lyrics—regretting not having expressed one’s feelings properly—are something adults can relate to.

It’s a love song whose sweet vocals and harmonica in the intro linger in your ears.

Then, why?Mao Abe

Then, why?

This is a poignant ballad by Mao Abe that sings of the helpless feeling when you realize you were the only one who was serious, after being led on by someone’s suggestive behavior.

The regret of having believed the words of a capricious, cat-like partner, and the pain that makes you want to demand, “Then why did you say that?” ride on her emotional vocals and pierce straight into your heart.

The song is included on the album “Su.” released in June 2011.

Remarkably, Abe wrote it during her high school years, and the pure, youthful cry of the heart resonates with raw intensity.

When you’re suffering from a lover’s ambiguous attitude and have nowhere to put your feelings, listening to this can feel as though it’s speaking for you.

Its gut-wrenching lyrics, paradoxically, will gently wrap your loneliness in warmth.