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 hit in the 2000s: Songs that make you cry (41–50)
You were…Hamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki has many heartbreak songs, and this track, released in 2009, is one of them.
Its straightforward lyrics spark the imagination, and because this direct emotion really grabs the heart, it’s a classic that enjoys especially strong support from her female fans.
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.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
It is a lyrical ballad that depicts the bittersweet feelings of love in winter.
Released in October 2001, it is a work by Keisuke Kuwata themed around the winter season.
Rather than simply mourning a love that has passed, it also carries a sense of celebrating the memories of love, portraying warm emotions alongside scenes of a city blanketed in falling snow.
It was used as the theme song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, and later featured in UNIQLO’s “LifeWear” commercial, earning affection from a wide audience.
It is a heartwarming song to listen to when you want to heal a heart hurt by love or reflect on cherished memories.