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.
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- A Collection of Moving Shakuhachi Masterpieces | Beautiful Japanese Melodies That Stir the Heart
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
- Spirit of Wa: Masterpieces for the Koto — Japan’s Beautiful Melodies
- Music that comes to your heart. A collection of sad Vocaloid songs.
- Vocaloid Songs for When You Want to Cry [Moving and Heart-wrenching]
- Melancholic Vocaloid songs: masterpieces that pierce the heart
- [Tearjerker] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that make you cry
The soul’s cry embedded in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (21–30)
Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux
A masterpiece created by a wartime military band modeled after Western-style marches.
Woven by the French composer Charles Leroux beginning in 1877, the work features a bold structure that incorporates the latest style of the time—a 2/4 meter with modulations—and a powerful melody that boosts soldiers’ morale.
By 1886 it had earned such high acclaim that it was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, and in 1912 it took on its present form, becoming a beloved classic widely performed by military bands across the country.
The prayer for soldiers and the spirit of requiem sung over its valiant march remain deeply etched in the hearts of generations who experienced war.
It is a piece to listen to alongside those who remember that era, with prayers for peace in our hearts.
Elegybutterbur sprout
When 1970s folk shifted into the genre known as New Music, the duo at its center was Fuki-no-tō.
This song is the B-side of “Utsukushiku Moete,” released in 1977.
Their worldview, suffused with a sense of loneliness, earned strong support from devoted fans.
I'll wait.Amin
A female college-student duo from Nagoya (Takako Okamura and Haruko Kato) who won the Grand Prix at the 23rd Popcon in 1982 and debuted the same year.
They gained popularity with songs that resonated with young women, recording a remarkable total of 1.
2 million sales.
After a temporary breakup, they have since reunited and are currently active.
Devilman is somewhere out there today, too.Keizo Toda
This is the ending theme of the anime Devilman, based on Go Nagai’s original work, which aired in 1972.
Children at the time felt a sense of melancholy seeing Devilman looking down over the town from atop a building construction site at sunset.
A work by the hit-making duo Yū Aku and Shunichi Tokura.
Ballad of Their FootstepsHiroshi Kamayatsu
The ending theme of the 1974 anime “First Human Giatrus.” Here we present the version sung by the composer himself, Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
In contrast to the gag-style anime, the lyrics have a generous, easygoing feel, with words penned by the original creator, Shunji Sonoyama.
Ishikari ElegyMirei Kitahara
Mirei Kitahara’s 1975 release “Ishikari Banka” was a major hit that marked a complete image change from her previous songs, which had a strong decadent vibe.
Since then, it has been covered and passed down by a wide range of artists, from Aki Yashiro to Akina Nakamori.
Red ElegyAgata Morio
Released in 1972.
This song catapulted Morio Agata—who is now also active as an actor—to fame.
It was inspired by Seichi Hayashi’s manga of the same name, which was popular at the time.
Its sorrowful lyrics resonated with the mood of a turbulent era, leading to sales of 500,000 records.