Heart-wrenching Japanese hit songs from the 2000s. Songs that make you cry.
In this article, we’ll introduce tear-jerking Japanese songs that were hits in the 2000s.
The Y2K culture, referring to the era around the year 2000, has been getting renewed attention in the Reiwa period and is creating a buzz.
The J-POP scene of the 2000s featured many classic ballads and emotionally powerful tracks that tug at the heartstrings.
We’ve picked a diverse lineup—from long-running hits and popular songs still sung today to hidden gems.
If you’re from that generation, we recommend reminiscing about those days as you take your time reading through the lyrics.
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Tearjerker Japanese songs that were hits in the 2000s. Cry-worthy songs (1–10)
KanadeSukima Suichi
Since their debut, Sukima Switch have pursued down-to-earth, true-to-life music, continually captivating fans with their catchy songs.
Their second single, Kanade—used as an insert song in the film Rough—became a long-running hit ballad so iconic it’s often called their signature tune.
The lyrics, which depict a parting scene vivid enough to picture, move not only listeners who heard it in real time but likely anyone, in any era, to tears.
With a wistful melody that further colors the lyrical story, it stands as one of the defining love songs of the 2000s.
366 daysHY
“366 Days,” which was chosen as the theme song for both the drama and film adaptations of Akai Ito—based on a mobile phone novel—is performed by HY, a mixed-genre band from Okinawa.
The track appears on their 2008 album HeartY.
Its lyrics, which portray a heartrending love that perfectly matches the story’s themes, stand out; the universally relatable message—‘Even after a breakup, I can’t stop thinking about you’—resonates deeply.
Set against a jazzy arrangement, Izumi Nakasone’s soulful vocals convey powerful emotion.
Lend an ear to this grand ballad that accompanies every kind of love-related heartache.
budKobukuro
Kobukuro is a musical duo who hit it off back when they were each doing street performances and began working together as a pair.
Their 14th single, Tsubomi, written as the theme song for the film Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad, is also known for having lyrics penned by member Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother.
The wistful intro, carried by clear, shimmering strings and acoustic guitar, alone conveys deep love and sorrow.
It’s a tear-jerking ballad that begs to be listened to while thinking of someone dear to you.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
Michi has long been a staple graduation song beloved by a wide range of generations.
Released by the dance and vocal group EXILE in 2007, it was also featured as the theme of the second night of the omnibus drama Sotsu Uta.
The gentle piano melody unfolding at a slow tempo and ATSUSHI’s tender vocals are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that evoke various memories from school life.
It’s a bittersweet yet warm ballad that portrays the sadness of parting with dear friends or a loved one.
Why not listen to it while picturing the nostalgic scenes of those days?
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Ken Hirai is a singer-songwriter who never lets listeners get bored, thanks to his distinctive edge voice and a diverse catalog of songs.
His 20th single, “Hitomi wo Tojite,” written as the theme song for the film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, became the first movie tie-in ever to top the Oricon year-end chart—a heartfelt ballad that made history.
Its heart-wrenchingly sentimental lyrics could move not only fans of the film but even those who haven’t seen it to tears.
With an emotional vocal performance that deepens the sense of longing, it stands as one of the defining hit tunes of the 2000s.