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 embedded in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (21–30)
ElegyBONNIE PINK
A gem of a ballad where a quiet melody and deep prayer resonate.
With BONNIE PINK’s gentle vocals and a softly moving melody, this piece was newly written as the ending theme for the 2022 hibakusha documentary films “for you: Hito no Tame ni” and “Ikiru FROM NAGASAKI.” Featured on the album “Infinity,” it carries a powerful message that, while reflecting on life’s doubts and inner conflicts, weaves a thread of hope for the future.
Crafted by Ovall’s bassist-producer, its refined sound—where piano and guitar blend beautifully—is another highlight.
Perfect for calm twilight hours or quiet moments spent deepening thoughts of someone dear, this song will gently bring a tender light to your heart.
CorrectRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS delivers a tender melody with a profound message that resonates deeply during graduation season.
The warm soundscape woven by piano tones and a student choir gently embraces moments of looking back on youthful days.
The lyrics, which depict the search for the right answers in life and the journey to find one’s true self, strike a universal chord that anyone can relate to.
Released for streaming in January 2024 and followed by a limited-production CD in February, this work was born from encounters with the younger generation and takes on a new challenge by incorporating a student choir.
It is a heartwarming song that stands beside young people leaving their schools and those facing turning points in life.
The soul’s outcry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime masterpieces that resonate with the heart (31–40)
In that caseMacaroni Enpitsu
A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.
While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.
The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.
Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.
A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.
A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaNobue Matsubara
A masterful performance by Nobue Matsubara, who gives voice to a soul-stirring poem passed down in the land of Mutsu.
Interweaving imagery of the harsh northern sea winds, lighthouses, and Kandachime horses, it beautifully conveys both aching longing and steadfast resolve.
Released in January 2025, this gem of an enka song was crafted by lyricist Shinichi Ishihara and composer Tetsuya Gen.
It’s a piece that resonates deeply with those who have faced partings in life or wish to confront their own feelings.
Celebrating her 45th debut anniversary, Nobue Matsubara’s voice delivers profound emotion alongside the spirit of the Shimokita Peninsula.
ELEGYShunsuke Kiyokiba
A gem of a ballad woven with delicate emotions.
Setting heartache and loneliness to a beautiful melody, it is a soulful work by Shunsuke Kiyokiba that sings of the pain of a love that is slipping away.
Its poetic worldview, which overlays a farewell with a loved one onto the imagery of dawn, leaves a deep afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Released in November 2018, the song is included on the album “CHANGE.” It’s a piece that gently stays by your side when you want to cherish bittersweet memories of love or spend a trembling night alone.
Kiyokiba’s powerful yet delicate vocals tenderly embrace the pain of heartbreak and parting.
Reiwa ElegySetsuko Shimizu
A wistful enka that portrays people living earnestly resounds with Setsuko Shimizu’s powerful voice.
The lyrics, which carefully depict the feelings of those working in the city—love for family, anxieties about the future, and nostalgia for one’s hometown—are sure to touch everyone’s heart.
Released in November 2023, this work inherits the spirit of the Showa-era classic “Sanya Blues,” offering encouragement to people living in the Reiwa era.
Twilight factories, red lanterns in back alleys, rainy night streets—the finely drawn scenes make this a remarkable song.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re weary of the city’s clamor, when you’re thinking of home, or when you need strength for tomorrow.
Night SwingShinsei Kamattechan
A sorrowful yet beautiful piece, marked by the striking image of the protagonist standing alone in a nighttime playground bathed in the gentle light of a crescent moon.
Included on Shinsei Kamattechan’s album “Danchi Thesis,” released in January 2025, this song masterfully conveys loneliness and a sense of loss through its fantastical worldview and uniquely weightless sound.
As the protagonist’s emotions are quietly sketched over a wavering waltz in 3/4 time, it exudes a mysterious allure that makes the boundary between reality and dreams seem to dissolve.
It’s a track that accompanies life’s turning points—graduations, farewells, and more.
An ideal song to listen to in those quiet moments of the night when your heart begins to sway.