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

Me too,YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Me Too, [Official Music Video] (Theme Song for the Drama “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin Guy”)

A ballad that poignantly portrays an unrequited love, set to the aching timbre of a piano.

Upon learning that their crush is dating a close friend, the protagonist carefully weaves their feelings as they have no choice but to give up while keeping their emotions hidden.

The more they think about the person they love, the more the pain intensifies—an experience many share as a bittersweet memory that lingers in the heart.

Included on YUTORI-SEDAI’s major first EP “blanket,” released in April 2025, this song was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s Drama Tokku series “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin.” It’s a track that gently accompanies the hearts of those in one-sided love, where simply thinking of someone makes your chest tighten.

Only HumanK

K　『Only Human』

A dramatic ballad by K that shines a light of hope, telling us that “beyond sorrow lies a smile.” Chosen as the theme song for the drama One Litre of Tears, the piece portrays people who keep looking forward even as they face life’s hardships.

When you’re exhausted, when you stop and wonder if things are okay as they are, this song gently gives you a push.

Released in November 2005, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It’s also included on the album Beyond the Sea and continues to be cherished as one of K’s signature works.

Its tender, enveloping vocals are sure to give you strength.

So she’s not your girlfriend, huh?Yuka Ueno

Yuhka Ueno “I’m Not Your Girlfriend, Right?” Music Video

A poignant breakup ballad by Yuuka Ueno that portrays the final moments of a couple who have decided to part and arranged to meet one last time.

Crafted by Yohei Hashiguchi of wacci, this song is included on the mini-album “Konya Atashi ga Naite mo,” released in March 2020.

With great care, it traces the feelings of a woman who holds dear memories close to her heart as she tries to accept reality, conveying both the loneliness of no longer being able to be with the one she loved and her resolve to face forward even while lingering attachments remain.

Ueno’s gentle vocals and the warm melody quietly encourage those who, while confronting the pain of farewell, are ready to take a new step forward.

filamentUru

[Official] Uru “Filament” – Theme song for the film “When You Cry Because It’s Delicious”

This is a song whose transparent vocals and deep emotion strike straight to the heart.

Released in April 2025, it’s a ballad created as the theme song for the film “When It’s So Delicious You Cry.” Written and composed by Uru herself, it features an evocative, delicate arrangement woven from piano and guitar.

The layered, gentle melody carries a palpable strength—an urge to keep the light of hope burning.

Please listen while thinking of someone precious to you.

to hurt; to wound; to damageCreepHyp

Acoustic Self-Accompanied Performance: Hurting / CreepHyp (Acoustic Cover)

It’s the B-side to “Yuu, Sansan,” but it’s such a masterpiece that it feels almost wasted as a B-side.

The song was written by Sekai Kan Ozaki specifically for Daigo Matsui’s stage production “Riolium,” and I’m sure there are many people who can relate to these pitiful lyrics.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

I think it’s fair to say this is a classic song for weddings.

While Superfly is often associated with upbeat, intense tracks, “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” is a magnificent, grand love song featuring a powerful vocal performance and warm, message-rich lyrics.

so-called loveplenty

plenty “ai to iu”

This song was released in a new format called a sound film track.

It has a divine atmosphere from the intro, and it’s moving even just to hear the song on its own, but paired with the visuals it’s even more stirring.

It’s one of plenty’s signature tracks, and it really showcases vocalist Fumiya Enuma’s wonderful voice.