Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I think it’s quite common that listening to songs tied in with anime makes you recall the work they’re from.
If the story was a sad one, hearing the song can leave you feeling wistful.
Here, I’ve picked out some Japanese pop songs—melancholic anime tracks—that evoke that feeling.
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Masterpieces of bittersweet anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (71–80)
Orange7!!
This is a song that was used as the ending theme for the anime Your Lie in April.
Its sound sparkles and at first listen it comes across as very upbeat, but the lyrics portray a bittersweet love.
Before you know it, it’s the kind of piece that brings you to the verge of tears.
Our WorldCooRie
This is a song included on the soundtrack of the animated film “AURA: Koga Maryuin’s Last War.” From the very beginning it’s suffused with melancholy, and the piano’s timbre really resonates in the heart.
It pairs beautifully with rino’s clear soprano voice, the vocalist of the music unit CooRie.
Don't go.Souta
As the title suggests, it’s a song about “me” reluctant to part.
Though I really want to hold you back, I swallow the words “please don’t go,” and try to hold back my tears—a touching determination that makes me feel lonely, too.
It is included on the album “Shonen Shoujo no Kotoba.”
DearestAyumi Hamasaki
It’s the ending theme of the anime Inuyasha.
It features a weighty accompaniment and Ayumi Hamasaki’s resonant vocals.
The melody is sorrowful, and the lyrics are on the heavier side.
The song’s worldview seems to connect with the work itself, and it brings tears to your eyes.
By all means, watch the anime first and then give it a listen.
youHealing Moon
It was used as the ending theme for the anime Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak.
Yuzuki’s clear, high vocals are so beautiful and truly resonate with the heart.
The slow, gentle melody pairs with the wistful, fragile lyrics and brings tears to your eyes.
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA
AAA is a dance and vocal group that enjoys strong popularity, especially among young people.
Among their songs, ‘Koion to Amazora’ is probably familiar even to older listeners, as it has been used in Ito-Yokado commercials and on NHK’s Red and White Song Contest.
It’s a poignant ballad I’d recommend to people of all ages.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
It’s a slightly bittersweet yet catchy anime song about how, no matter what, you just can’t remember the face of someone who should have been important.
It’s one of the signature tracks by JUDY AND MARY, the rock band that led Japan’s music scene in the late ’90s, released as their ninth single in 1996.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, it became a big hit.
YUKI’s buoyant vocals are truly wonderful, aren’t they? It’s still a classic that ranks high on karaoke charts today.