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

moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

Released in 2000 as Chihiro Onitsuka’s second single, this medium-tempo ballad expresses a wish for liberation from oppression.

After being selected as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “TRICK,” it became a massive hit, selling over 500,000 copies in total.

PerfumeEito

Perfume / Eito (Official Music Video)

You know how a smell can trigger old memories and the feelings you had back then.

This song, which weaves that kind of story, suddenly drew major attention in 2020—a year after its release—after it went viral on TikTok.

In the lyrics, the protagonist unexpectedly hears from an ex and meets up again.

The scent of her perfume, the same one she wore back then, brings back not only memories but also lingering feelings he had tucked away deep in his heart.

What’s more, the lyrics never state outright that he loves her; the protagonist is desperately putting on a brave face.

That’s probably because he knows that even if they got back together, it still wouldn’t work out.

Just listening to such complicated, helpless longing makes your chest ache.

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Hane Keisuke

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wedgeOku Hanako

Kusabi (Wedge) by Hanako Oku

Although it never explicitly says it’s an adult romance, it conjures a situation where the two people feel somehow mature.

Amid the sophisticated lyrics, many listeners will likely be moved by the repeated phrase, “If this is the last….” Even the expression about how you can’t even fight anymore once you’ve broken up feels grown-up.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to quietly on your own while looking at the lyric booklet.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It was released in 2016 as AKB48’s 42nd single.

Created as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” it also drew attention for being the first time Sayaka Yamamoto served as center.

It’s a warm, uplifting song that reminds you that while there are good days and bad days, there’s no need to brood—just try again tomorrow.

Pale BlueYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Pale Blue / Kenshi Yonezu

“Pale Blue” is Kenshi Yonezu’s 11th single, released in 2021.

It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Rikokatsu” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart.

It beautifully captures the pain in one’s chest and the inability to sort out feelings after a breakup—an experience many have had.

If you’re suffering from a breakup right now, listening to “Pale Blue” and letting yourself cry might be just what you need.

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Hamada Takuya

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Letter ~To My Beloved~Fujita Maiko

[Chinese-Japanese Subtitles PV] Maiko Fujita - Letter ~To My Beloved~

Released in 2013 as Maiko Fujita’s ninth single.

The lyrics frankly express gratitude to one’s parents, and the song is widely used at weddings and similar occasions.

It has also become a staple track for “ruikatsu,” events where people refresh their minds and bodies by having a good cry.

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

Here is a song performed by Masaki Suda, who is active as both a singer and an actor, and it serves as the theme song for the nationally beloved anime Doraemon’s film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.

It’s a ballad created with singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki handling both lyrics and composition.

From the very first line, the moving lyrics are enough to bring tears to your eyes, carried by Suda’s gentle singing that amplifies the emotion.

By the time the memorable chorus arrives, your heart will be full.

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Murakami Shinpei

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