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.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Breakup songs that were hits in the 2000s
- Ballad songs that were hits in the 2000s
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
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- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- A melancholic “yami” song that was a hit in the 2000s. A bittersweet track.
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- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
Tearjerker Japanese hits from the 2000s: Songs that make you cry (31–40)
YOUYUI
It’s a heartbreaking breakup song that earned strong support from fans as the B-side to the 2011 single “Hello ~Paradise Kiss.” It’s also well known as the ending theme for the film Paradise Kiss.
Widely regarded as one of YUI’s underrated tearjerkers, it’s considered a masterpiece.
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
A song widely known as a quintessential heartbreaking breakup anthem.
Its lyrics candidly portray the clingy feelings of a man who’s been dumped, resonating with many listeners.
Released in October 2009 as the seventh single, it won a JASRAC Award in 2014.
It’s also hugely popular at karaoke, ranking third on Daiichikosho’s annual request chart in 2012.
The music video was reportedly filmed at a bar in Yokohama.
Perfect for when you want to soothe the pain of a breakup or sink into your memories.
The contrast between the “air band” performance and the poignant lyrics is part of its appeal, and it’s guaranteed to fire up a live crowd!
Love DrizzleShonan no Kaze
This track is their first heartbreak song since “Junrenka.” Its positive lyrics—about cutting ties with lingering feelings and memories of a loved one and taking steps forward—have resonated with listeners of all genders.
It’s a song that gives you a gentle push when you’re recovering from a breakup.
I miss you so much, I want to see you.Nishino Kana
It’s a heartbreak song that lets you cry your heart out, especially popular among young women.
Released in 2010, its distinctive lyrical phrases give it a unique character, while the delicate melody evokes a poignant sense of sorrow.
It remains a beloved classic among fans to this day.
StoryAI
Singer-songwriter AI, born in Los Angeles, captivates audiences with a powerful voice honed through gospel.
The lead single from her May 2005 album “Mic-a-holic Ai” is known as an enduring masterpiece of a ballad that brought her name to widespread recognition.
Opening with beautiful piano tones, the song gently stays close to the listener’s heart and delivers a strong message that you are not alone.
Its outstanding lyrics spread into households through radio and other media, and in 2014 it drew renewed attention when it was selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6.
It’s a defining song of the 2000s that helps us reaffirm our bonds with the people we cherish.
Tearjerker Japanese songs that hit in the 2000s: Songs that make you cry (41–50)
FlowerORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a rock band with a three-vocalist lineup, each with a different vocal range, captivating fans with their wide expressive palette.
Released in October 2004 as their eighth single, this song became a major hit as the theme for the film “Be with You.” It sings of a universal love directed not only toward a lover but also toward irreplaceable people like family and friends, with heartfelt lyrics that resonated with many.
Layers of strings over a wistful melody create an emotionally stirring ballad worthy of the catchphrase “the version of RANGE that makes you cry.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for a total of four weeks and was also included on the acclaimed album “musiQ.” Listening to it while thinking of someone dear brings a gentle warmth, as if your heart is being softly embraced.
You Go Your WayCHEMISTRY
Released in 2001.
It’s a poignant breakup song about telling yourself that meeting, falling in love, and parting aren’t anyone’s fault—they’re simply fate—and putting on a brave face.
It’s also a masterpiece that can be called one of CHEMISTRY’s signature works following their return to activity.