The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

It’s the opening theme for the first cour of Season 2 of the YTV-affiliated anime “My Hero Academia.” This song could be called the very definition of bittersweet rock.

Behind its coolness, you catch glimpses of sorrow and sadness.

It makes you want to sing and shout while crying.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

It’s the theme song for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and one of Motohiro Hata’s signature tracks.

The song portrays the strong, heartwarming bonds between the characters, expressing that even when they are apart, their hearts remain connected, and its tenderness can easily bring you to tears.

Perfectly harmonizing with the film’s moving story, it captured the hearts of many.

Released in August 2014, it became a major hit, spending a total of seven weeks at No.

1 on Billboard Japan’s Hot Animation chart.

It is also included on the album “Ao no Kokei” (Blue Scenery).

It’s a wonderful song that gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm the bonds with someone you cherish.

It’s nothing.RADWIMPS

Nandemonaiya (Movie Version)

This song captivates with its soul-penetrating melody and delicate lyrics.

Created by RADWIMPS, it is included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016.

It was also used as the ending theme for the film of the same name, capturing the hearts of many.

The piece delicately portrays subtle emotional shifts in everyday life and the realizations that arise within human relationships, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Listening to it again after watching the film allows you to grasp the deeper meanings of the lyrics.

It is a moving track that conveys the sorrow of parting from someone dear and the wish to share the precious time that remains.

Your Memorymao

Hakuoki: Your Memory [Recollection, Part Two] Hijikata × Chizuru YouTube via torchbrowser.com Monarudo

The ending theme of the anime Hakuoki.

The melody sits mostly in the mid to low range, slow and weighty.

It’s a love-themed song, and you can feel the emotions for the beloved person throughout the lyrics.

In the final chorus there’s a brief moment of held-back rhythm, and the vocals resonate deeply in your heart.

It makes you realize you can’t forget the one you truly loved, and there’s no substitute for them.

Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do? [Official Music Video]

It’s a grand piece that questions the possibilities of love and hope for the future.

Even in the face of a global crisis, it portrays the strength to believe in the bonds with loved ones and the power of love.

Created by RADWIMPS in July 2019, this work was produced as the theme song for director Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering With You.

In resonance with the film’s story, the protagonist’s determination to keep moving forward under harsh circumstances is powerfully expressed through a fusion of orchestral and rock sounds.

It’s a song that resonates in moments when you feel on the verge of losing hope or when you want to sense the bonds with those you cherish.

PrologueNornis

[Original Song MV] Nornis – Prologue [Inui Toko / Machita Chima]

Nornis, a unit formed by Nijisanji virtual livers Toko Inui and Chima Machita, released their 3rd single in October 2025.

It was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Material Collector’s Another World Travelogue.” This medium-tempo rock ballad is based on a band sound, sprinkled with the refreshing tones of folk instruments.

Its warm arrangement, where gentleness and strength coexist, evokes anticipation for a new world.

It’s an anime song that gives a supportive push to those about to embark on something new.

Diamond CrevasseSheriru Nōmu starring May’n

Diamond Crevasse Macross F May’n emotional close-up video

The first ending theme of Macross Frontier.

It also appears as an insert song in the series and is one of the tracks that represents this anime.

The overwhelming vocals of Sheryl, the character voiced by May’n, bring tears to your eyes.

It’s a grand ballad.