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

Eine KleineKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

It’s a Tokyo Metro commercial song, but I think it can also be considered one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature tracks.

He’s an artist who used to post original songs on Nico Nico Douga under the name “Hachi,” and one of his greatest appeals is his gentle yet powerful, beautiful singing voice.

Inekoine, told from the perspective of “atashi” (I), is a song that many women can deeply relate to.

heartAimyon

Aimyon – Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A poignant ballad that carefully portrays the complex emotions of love.

Released in 2021, this song was written by Aimyon as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married.” During production, she rewrote the lyrics from scratch for the first time, focusing on expressing feelings that are “not too cute, yet not too clumsy.” Inspired by the heart’s shape—round on top and pointed at the bottom—the song explores a relationship where affection and pain coexist.

It resonates deeply with those struggling with marriage or romance.

Love SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Song

It’s GReeeeN’s third single, released in 2007, but in 2015 their sister group whiteeeen covered it as “Ai Uta ~since 2007~,” which became the theme song for the film Strobe Edge.

It’s a love song whose straightforward lyrics strike a chord.

Tokyokururi

Quruli – Tokyo

Many artists have written songs with “Tokyo” as their theme, but Quruli’s “Tokyo” is unquestionably a masterpiece among them.

It’s astonishing that this masterpiece is also Quruli’s debut single, but in any case, it’s the ultimate “Tokyo.” For those who moved to the capital from other regions—a major life event—it’s a song guaranteed to bring tears.

I'm sorryFukurowz

Fukurouzu “Gomen ne”

This is the lead track from Fukurouzu’s second album, “Gomen ne.” The lyrics are full of lines that really hit home, making it a love song you can’t help but hum along to.

It’s a track I’d recommend to anyone new to Fukurouzu.

Mari Uchida’s vocals have a floating, translucent quality that becomes addictive after just one listen.

meeting upHumbert Humbert

"Appointment" Humbert Humbert / Fiddler's Bid

The charm of male-female duos lies in the beauty of their harmonies, and Humbert Humbert’s songs are undeniably beautiful.

They’re a couple I admire.

When it comes to Humbert Humbert, “Onaji Hanashi” is often cited as their signature song, but “Machiawase,” which was used in an Odakyu Electric Railway commercial, is also a wonderful track.

end rollAndrop

androp「End roll」(from 2nd full album “one and zero” )

Among androp’s songs, this is a very beautiful ballad where vocalist Takahito Uchisawa’s voice is pure and divine.

The end roll lyrics, which powerfully think of “you,” make it a song that anyone with a cherished “you” can project themselves onto, empathize with, and be moved to tears.