[Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart

The Toilet GodUemura Kana

Toilet God / Kana Uemura

This song, which sings about memories with her late grandmother, is Kana Uemura’s signature piece, and it sparked a huge buzz at the time of its release as a real tearjerker! The first half of the lyrics recounts episodes between her—who was very attached to her grandmother—and her grandma, and just listening warms your heart.

Then comes the tear-inducing second half.

It describes how, as she becomes an adult, a gradual distance grows between her and her grandmother.

After that, her grandmother is hospitalized, which prompts her to go and visit.

And the next day, her grandmother passes away.

She must have felt regret about letting that distance grow, as well as gratitude for the important things her grandmother taught her.

Imagining those emotions is enough to bring a lump to your throat, isn’t it?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

remainingYoshizawa Kayoko

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO

Great lyrics—you’ll definitely want to recommend them to someone.

The cityscape is sketched as if drawn after stepping out of the ticket gate on an early-morning return, and when it rides the melody, it gently stays close to the listener.

The lines depicting the changing seasons are very poetic.

The lyrics say that feelings for a loved one remain within you even when you’re apart.

Listening to it is heartbreaking and truly moves the heart.

Song of the SeaBEGIN

Song of the Sea

It’s a lyrical ballad woven by BEGIN that conjures up the sea of one’s hometown and a sky full of stars.

The gentle tones of the sanshin and the calm vocals softly wrap around your heart.

It feels like it teaches us the true strength and kindness that await beyond the setbacks and sorrow we experience while growing up.

This track is the B-side to “Birthday Song,” released as a single in May 1997.

It carries a message that deeply resonates with those striving far from home, inspiring them to believe in hope for tomorrow.

On nights when your heart feels a little tired, listening to this song and feeling the warmth of home might be just what you need.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

This is a poignant song about parting with someone dear.

Iyori Shimizu’s delicate vocals gently enfold the feelings for the one who was lost.

It carefully depicts the depth of their bond and the emptiness that follows their absence, making it a piece that resonates deeply with listeners.

The song was also selected as the ending theme for a TV Tokyo music program, winning widespread empathy.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to remember someone important, or reaffirm your feelings for them.

Why not close your eyes and listen slowly?

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

A digital-only single, the second major release by singer-songwriter Yuuri, depicting from a woman’s perspective the story of the 2019 song “Kakurenbo.” It’s a number whose poignant lyrics, carried by a voice and melody filled with wistfulness, resonate deeply.

Though the feeling of love remains, the song portrays the painful decision that it’s better to part for each other’s sake, and the emptiness of knowing that even that heartache will fade with time—it’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? It’s a song whose uncontrollable emotions invite empathy—lyrics alone that can bring you to tears.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

DestinyKato Miria

Miliyah Kato “Destiny”

I’m thrilled by how it’s crafted with a dance-sound vibe.

The lyrics unfold passionately, telling the story of finally meeting a destined partner.

Lines that empathize with a woman in love—like thinking every time the phone rings that it must be from the one she loves—are real tear-jerkers.

Pay attention, too, to the perspective of a strong woman who won’t give up because it’s fate, even if she gets hurt by the other person—not just a tale of being swept away by love.

Velvet Poemback number

Velvet Poem

There is a gemlike ballad by back number—known for lyrics and melodies that shake the heart—created as the theme song for the film Akira and Akira.

Shimizu Iyori’s voice, singing like a prayer and wishing that his laid-bare self could be seen as something beautiful, sinks deep into the chest.

The piece quietly yet powerfully seems to cheer on those who, despite their anguish and inner conflicts, keep moving toward their goals.

This moving song was released in August 2022 and was later included on the acclaimed album Humor.

Premiering alongside the film, it became beloved by many, debuting at No.

2 on the Billboard Japan Download Songs chart—a sign that its impact has resonated widely.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you’re wavering over a major life decision or need a gentle word of encouragement.

It will surely echo deep within your heart and give you the strength to take a step toward tomorrow.