The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
Do you have an anime that you got so hooked on it moved you to tears?
When you encounter a work like that, sometimes just hearing a single line of the theme song out of the blue can make you cry.
Maybe the song didn’t hit you at first, but the closer the finale gets, the more heartbreakingly it starts to feel…
In this article, we’ve gathered anime songs that will make you cry and cry and cry.
We’ve included both old and new anime, so it should resonate with a wide range of generations.
By all means, enjoy the works themselves along with the songs.
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- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Anime Love Song Special [Heart-Fluttering & Tearjerkers]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
[Tearjerker] The World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs (21–30)
And yet, tomorrow will come.Suzuki Yume
It’s the ending theme of Ninku.
Yume Suzuki is a singer-songwriter who performed all the opening and ending themes for the anime Ninku.
“Soredemo Ashita wa Yatte Kuru” was released as the B-side to “Kagayaki wa Kimi no Naka ni,” the series’ opening theme.
Nirvanatia
This is a song sung by Tia and produced by ryo of supercell, famous for VOCALOID.
It’s a complex and captivating track that can’t be summed up in a single word.
While crying out bittersweet, introspective lyrics, it’s crafted like a festive celebration that fully revels in sound.
Please give it a listen and experience its brilliance for yourself.
[Tearjerkers] The World of Anime Songs That Pierce the Heart (31–40)
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda, who thrives at the forefront both as an actor and an artist.
The song he performs captured the hearts of many as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.
This heartwarming track tells the story of a protagonist who recognizes his own weaknesses, expressing deep gratitude to the partner who supports him and vowing firmly to walk into the future together.
Released as a single in November 2020, the song was written and composed by Huwie Ishizaki.
Suda’s gentle yet powerful vocals align beautifully with the film’s moving narrative.
It’s the kind of song that will surely make your heart swell when you want to convey your appreciation to someone special.
Night journeyYorushika
This is a moving song where a literary narrative and Suis’s pure vocals resonate deeply in the heart.
The melodies crafted by n-buna delicately portray the stillness and loneliness of the night, as well as a glimmer of hope.
Listening to this piece feels as if you’re standing beside the characters, and it might even bring some listeners to tears.
Released in March 2020, it is also included on the highly acclaimed album “Tōsaku” (“Plagiarism”).
This masterpiece won an award at the 13th CD Shop Awards in 2021, and it beautifully colored the story as an insert song in the anime film “A Whisker Away,” released in June 2020.
It’s perfect for listening when you’re gazing at the night sky alone or when you need a gentle push forward.
It’s an ideal song for those who want to feel the emotions woven into the lyrics.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.
Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.
It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.
It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
This song is characterized by a gentle melody that tenderly resonates with listeners’ hearts.
Released in August 2009, it is also known as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari.
The lyrics delicately portray the ache of unrequited love and the complex emotions of a love triangle, striking a chord with many listeners.
One of its charms is how the protagonist’s hidden feelings and loneliness are beautifully expressed through scenes of stargazing.
It’s a perfect track for those who have experienced heartbreak or who hold unspoken feelings of love.
Combined with supercell’s delicate vocals, it becomes a moving and deeply touching piece.
DearestHamasaki Ayumi
It’s the ending theme of the anime Inuyasha.
It features a weighty accompaniment and Ayumi Hamasaki’s resonant vocals.
The melody is sorrowful, and the lyrics are on the heavier side.
The song’s worldview seems to connect with the work itself, and it brings tears to your eyes.
By all means, watch the anime first and then give it a listen.