[Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul

heavy smokenishina

Nishina – Heavy Smoke [Official Video]

Nishina, a next-generation singer-songwriter who has received high praise from Enon Kawatani.

Released in 2021 as her seventh single, Heavy Smoke is a ballad that was selected for FM802’s heavy rotation, a key catalyst for her big breakthrough.

Layering the idea of highly addictive things with the desire to become that kind of presence for you, the love-struck lyrics strike a chord and are impossible not to relate to.

The word “heavy” perfectly matches the song’s world, expressing the intensity and weight of her feelings—deeply emotional.

It’s a love song that leaves you with the sensation of your heart being powerfully shaken.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

Known as one of Yuzu’s signature songs and as a graduation anthem, “Eikou no Kakehashi” (“Bridge of Glory”) was released in 2004 and chosen as the official theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

While it naturally resonates with people striving in sports, its popularity as a graduation song likely comes from the way it honors past efforts and inspires hope for the future.

When you’re single‑mindedly working toward something or struggling to move forward, listening to it truly strikes a chord.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

Born in Tokushima Prefecture to a Japanese mother and an Italian-American father, singer-songwriter Angela Aki—who is also active as a jazz pianist—released this as her eighth single.

The song is an arrangement of “Tegami,” which she originally wrote as a set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Contest, adapted here for her own vocals.

It has become one of Angela Aki’s signature numbers.

The candid struggles and anxieties about the future that come with a sensitive age, paired with a strong, confident message that only one’s true self can express, are both deeply relatable.

It’s a masterpiece guaranteed to move you to tears with its message that no matter what happens, you should keep walking the path you’ve chosen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

It makes me want to cry.Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – It Makes Me Want to Cry

This is a single released by Ulfuls in 2007.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “A Dog Named Palma.” While simple, the sound and vocals carry a sense of strength, and the moderate tempo gives the impression of something staying by your side and encouraging you.

It evokes an image of cherishing the small, everyday scenes and, even in difficult times, teaching you to move steadily toward the future, one step at a time.

It’s a warm, gentle anthem of support.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

If I were to die tomorrowKitanitatsuya

If I Die Tomorrow / Tatsuya Kitani – Promise Me / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who had a major breakthrough with “Ao no Sumika.” His song “If I Die Tomorrow,” released in January 2024, is a moving piece that reflects on the preciousness of life and the importance of everyday moments.

The song portrays the feelings one might have if tomorrow were their last day: what they would feel, what they would regret, and what they would be grateful for.

It also carries a message that reminds us of the value of our connections with others and of small happinesses, offering listeners a sense of encouragement and positivity.

It’s a song especially recommended for those burdened by overwhelming pain or sorrow, or for anyone who tends to forget to feel gratitude in daily life.

It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

Feelings that just can’t be put into words… I’m sure many of you have experienced holding them in your heart.

This is a moving love song that expresses those feelings straightforwardly.

It’s a work by the Kanagawa-born pop band Macaroni Empitsu, released in 2021.

Starting quietly and gradually adding more layers of sound, it has a charm that makes you want to sway your shoulders as you listen.

If you want to be wrapped in a sense of bliss while thinking about someone you love, give it a try! It’s sure to put you in a romantic mood!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

A song filled with a prayer for you—so that your dreams truly come true, and so that you and the person you love last for a hundred years.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Hanamizuki,” starring Yui Aragaki, which was created based on this song.

From Yo Hitoto, and then from you who listen to this song, a gentle chain of prayers will once again be passed on to someone dear.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem