The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
The world of Japanese laments that sublimate sorrow and wistfulness into beautiful melodies.
From the desolate scenes woven by RC Succession led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, to the soul-stirring poetic realm of Agata Morio, and even the transparent feelings sung by the VOCALOID GUMI.
Timeless masterpieces that have continued to stay close to people’s hearts speak of heartbreak, loneliness, farewells.
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They carry the cries of the soul felt in many moments of life.
Alongside vocals that quietly seep into the heart, they invite you into a deeply moving world.
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The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime, heart-stirring masterpieces (1–10)
Goodbye ElegyMasaki Suda
A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a heart wavering between loneliness and love.
The soul-stirring cry entrusted by Masaki Suda to Huwie Ishizaki resonates deeply with pure emotion.
In days where kindness feels clouded, a bittersweet yet powerful melody wraps around the shape of love we discover.
Released in February 2018 as Masaki Suda’s third single, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “Kiss That Kills.” Suda himself made a cameo appearance in the series, and the song garnered notice for blending beautifully with the drama’s world.
A supreme ballad that shakes the soul, dedicated to those who have experienced heartbreak and partings and wish to sublimate the feelings hidden deep within their hearts.
Song of the Eternal NightGod does not play dice.
A beautifully crafted song that depicts the pain and sense of loss after heartbreak, this ballad by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai (God Doesn’t Roll Dice) stands out.
Included on the album “A Perspective on Lambda,” it moves many listeners with its heartrending lyrics and delicate melody.
The protagonist’s lingering feelings and melancholy for a lost lover are intertwined with the scent of osmanthus and autumn scenes, expressed in poetic language.
After its release in May 2019, it gradually gained popularity through social media and ranked high on various music charts in 2020.
It’s a recommended track for anyone carrying the pain of a broken heart or looking for a song to cry to about love.
KanadeSukima Switch
A signature song by Sukima Switch, known for its deeply moving melody and poignant lyrics.
Portraying the moment of parting—with the uncommon twist of a woman being the one who leaves—it stirs the listener’s heart.
Released in June 2004, it became widely known through its popularity at karaoke.
Many will relate to the narrator, “I,” who watches over and cheers on “you” as you grow.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced a farewell with someone important or who want to support someone they care about.
Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to bring comfort.
The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme, heart-stirring masterpieces (11–20)
I want to be kinder.Kazuyoshi Saito
A masterpiece by Kazuyoshi Saito that gently wraps the aspirations lying beyond the gaze that turns a globe in a melody that seeps into the heart.
It opens with a powerful guitar intro, and his rugged yet warm vocals resonate deep in the chest.
Released in November 2011, the song contrasts the yearning for kindness with the emptiness of a self-centered way of life, questioning one’s place within human relationships.
Written specifically as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “I’m Mita, Your Housekeeper” starring Nanako Matsushima, it was issued shortly after the album “45 STONES” and won Best Drama Song at the 71st The Television Drama Academy Awards.
A gem dedicated to everyone standing at a crossroads in life, who, while facing their own weaknesses, still wishes to deepen their bonds with those they cherish.
Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai
Harukamirai’s soul-stirring cries, rooted in their unique worldview, strike straight to the heart.
While reflecting the anxieties and chaos of society, the song carries a strong will to keep moving forward and a desire to protect cherished companions.
Conveying the importance of holding on to hope even amid struggle, this work fuses punk rock with emotional elements to deliver a powerful sound that shakes the listener.
Included on the album “Living Is About Holding Onto a Hope as Small as a Booger,” released in February 2025, it marks a new frontier for a band with a track record that includes theme and insert songs for the film “Rin.” This is a message song that resonates with everyone who, despite feeling loneliness and anxiety, still wants to face forward and live.
Sorrow Rides the BusMacaroni Enpitsu
Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.
The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.
Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.
The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.
applauseNaomi Chiaki
Speaking of Naomi Chiaki, she is a legendary female singer.
When I listen to her song “Kassai” (“Applause”), I get the illusion that she’s singing about herself.
It’s a very sad song, but the melody and lyrics are so beautiful that I want to listen to it over and over again.