4 Japanese Romantic Dramas with Sad Endings, Featuring Touching Stories - Bringing Tears

Kapanlagi.com - Among Japanese drama lovers, the romantic genre is one of the most favored. Interestingly, Japanese romantic dramas do not always present stories with sweet endings. There are several Japanese romantic dramas with endings that are actually sad. Despite being sad, Japanese romantic dramas with sad endings can be captivating to watch, especially if you want to release your emotions.

Japanese romantic dramas with sad endings always present touching stories. The sad tales combined with the stunning performances of the actors will evoke deep emotions, often bringing tears to the viewers' eyes. Tragic love stories often leave a profound impression on their audience.

So, are you interested in watching Japanese romantic dramas with sad endings? If so, let's check out the list of recommendations and brief reviews below.

1. FIRST LOVE (2022)

FIRST LOVE (credit: mydramalist)

One of the Japanese romantic dramas with a sad ending that is worth watching is FIRST LOVE. This Japanese drama tells the story of Yae Noguchi and Harumichi Namiki. They met when they were still teenagers. Both then grew up and tried to pursue their dreams. However, due to certain circumstances, they eventually became separated and no longer kept in touch.

Only after twenty years have passed, they are brought back together by fate. At this point, Yae has become a single mother with a teenage son. Meanwhile, Harumichi is engaged to a woman named Tsunemi. Fate favors both of them, and they can be said to be happy. However, if we highlight Tsunemi's fate, the audience may also feel an unimaginable sadness.

2. MORE THAN WORDS (2022)

MORE THAN WORDS (credit: mydramalist)

MORE THAN WORDS is also a Japanese drama with a sad ending that touches the heart. The story centers around two friends, Mieko and Makio, who work part-time at the same place. One day, at their new job, Mieko and Makio meet a student named Eiji.

Upon meeting, Eiji immediately falls in love with Makio. However, it turns out that the people around them oppose the relationship. Meanwhile, Mieko decides to keep an eye on Eiji and Makio. Mieko becomes a witness to the evolving relationship between Eiji and Makio.

3. HOLD MY HAND AT TWILIGHT (2023)

HOLD MY HAND AT TWILIGHT (credit: mydramalist)

Other recommendations for Japanese romantic dramas with sad endings, HOLD MY HAND AT TWILIGHT. This drama tells the story of Asagi Soramame, a cheerful woman from rural Kyushu, who moves to Tokyo. In this big city, she unexpectedly meets Umino Oto. However, when they meet, neither of them expects that they will meet again in the future.

As they live in the same boarding house, Asagi begins to take an interest in the world of fashion and her life slowly changes. On the other hand, Umino Oto is a university graduate who aspires to be a composer. Umino seriously struggles to pursue his music dreams despite not being supported by his parents.

Almost desperate, Umino works part-time in a café to survive. However, after meeting Asagi again, he gains a new spirit. They fall in love and support each other to achieve their respective dreams.

4. PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE (2015)

PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE (credit)

PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE is also one of the sad ending romantic Japanese dramas that can bring tears to your eyes. This romance drama is full of sorrow. PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE tells the story of Mimura Shuji, a 45-year-old man who always makes those around him happy and laugh.

One day, Shuji is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Not stopping there, the doctor also predicts that he only has about six months to live. He chooses to keep this important news a secret from his wife, Ayako. He decides to find someone who can take care of Ayako and their son when he is gone. This action is his last loving effort to ensure that his family will remain safe.

5. KUZU NO HONKAI (2017)

KUZU NO HONKAI (credit: mydramalist)

As a recommendation for the last sad ending Japanese romantic drama, there is KUZU NO HONKAI. This drama tells the story of Mugi Awaya and Hanabi Yasuraoka. At the age of seventeen, they seem like the perfect couple. However, behind that appearance, they hold a secret: Mugi and Hanabi actually have unrequited love for others and are only dating to cope with their loneliness.

Mugi is actually in love with Akane Minagawa, a young teacher who used to be his tutor. Meanwhile, Hanabi likes a teacher who has been a family friend since childhood. In their relationship, Mugi and Hanabi support each other and share physical closeness to comfort themselves from the love they cannot attain. This relationship is driven by loneliness and the inability to get the people they desire.

These are five recommendations for touching sad ending Japanese romantic dramas that are worth watching. So, enjoy watching, but don't forget to prepare tissues!

(kpl/psp)