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 woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime, heart-stirring masterpieces (1–10)
Cosmos (autumn cherry blossoms)Momoe Yamaguchi
Released in October 1977.
Up to then, Momoe Yamaguchi had mostly performed urban, defiant songs, so fans were startled when she suddenly sang a piece from the perspective of a bride leaving home, addressed to her mother.
The song was written and composed by Masashi Sada, who also performs it himself.
ElfAdo
A sweeping tale that evokes the legendary elves known for their solitude is vividly brought to life by Ado’s overwhelming vocal power.
Amid an endless journey, the story of a soul that faces itself and overcomes conflict and anguish is deeply moving.
Set to air from January 2025 as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Who Saw the Peacock Dance?”, it resonates perfectly with the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.
Embracing the loneliness and sorrow felt along the path of struggle, this work becomes a song that speaks to the hearts of all who find the courage to move forward.
Asakusa KidBeat Takeshi
Included on the album “Asakusa Kid,” released in August 1986.
Beat Takeshi himself wrote and composed the song while reflecting on his days as an unknown Asakusa performer.
The melancholic lyrics are moving even if you’re not a comedian.
As a side note, the manzai duo Asakusa Kid was formed in 1987.
How to Love AfterimagesTele
A delicate sonic world, woven to gently embrace the pain and regret that lie deep within the heart.
Riding on Tele’s slowly flowing, lyrical melodies, the song about a lost love quietly stays close to the listener’s heart.
The tender, almost whispering vocals and the dreamlike soundscape that seems to reflect a city at night create a space filled with a familiar, aching nostalgia.
Released in February 2025, this work serves as the theme song for Tele’s nationwide tour, coloring 12 shows across 9 cities starting in March.
It’s a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced parting with a loved one or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.
ElegyKen Hirai
Among current artists known for their beautifully melancholic voices, Ken Hirai would be a prime example.
This song, Elegy, is his 25th single, released in January 2007.
It also served as the theme song for the film Love’s Cruelty, which drew attention for its R-15 rating.
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)Masashi Sada
A musical prayer that gently enfolds the pain of losing a loved one in a tender, wistful melody.
The poignant story Masashi Sada weaves—set around a traditional festival in Nagasaki—delicately captures the feelings of those left behind.
Through cherished promises made in life, keepsakes crafted together, and the changing shape of family, a profound love and loneliness well up in the heart.
Released by Grape in April 1974, the song gradually spread, especially in the Chukyo region, climbing to No.
2 on the Oricon chart and selling 1.
3 million copies.
It shone once again in 2003 as the theme song for an NHK drama.
A gem of a ballad that quietly stays close to anyone who has said goodbye to someone important.
MapleSpitz
A gem of a ballad that weaves a fleeting yet beautiful farewell scene with a clear, transparent melody.
Released by Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur,” this song tenderly sings of longing for what has been lost.
It portrays the heartache that gradually softens over time and the strength to keep looking forward, carried by a warm, gentle performance.
Beginning with its use in the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Over Time” and continuing through to the network’s 2022 series “silent,” it has colored many stories.
It’s a song to listen to when your heart is deeply wounded or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.
Masamune Kusano’s tender, comforting vocals are sure to become a source of support for your heart.