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 hits from the 2000s: Songs that make you cry (31–40)
I WILLazu
This song is a poignant ballad for women who can’t forget someone or who have just had their hearts broken.
I think the lyrics are highly relatable and moving.
It’s a track I especially want women who have experienced heartbreak to listen to.
Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana
Released in 2000, this song was used as the theme for the drama “Oyaji.” It is about the singer’s experience at age 16 of parting with a beloved grandfather, and its expression of that sense of loss in words that also resonate with heartbreak, together with the beautiful vocals, makes it all the more moving.
nape (of the neck)aiko
Released in 2003, this song surprises listeners by starting straight from the first verse.
True to aiko’s style, the lyrics are written from a woman’s perspective, making it a heartbreak song that brings tears to your eyes—one that resonates not only with women who are still hung up on the guy they loved after a breakup, but also with those who aren’t in that situation.
Things that have formShibasaki Kou
It seems to tell us that even if tangible things fade away, memories continue to shine forever in our hearts.
This is the sixth single by Kou Shibasaki, who is active both as an actress and a singer, and it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” which aired in 2004 and became a social phenomenon.
The song portrays the strength and poignancy of thinking of someone you can no longer meet, transforming even sorrow into love.
Her voice, combining clarity and power, melds with the sweeping strings, and together with the drama’s worldview, it really tugs at the heartstrings.
When you are grieving the loss of someone dear, it gently stays by your side and kindles a warm light in your heart.
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.