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

threadNakajima Miyuki

"Ito" Digest Video / From Miyuki Nakajima 2020 Last Tour "Kekka All Right" First-Press Limited Bonus (BD/DVD)

A popular song by Miyuki Nakajima that has been covered by many artists, including ATSUSHI from EXILE and JUJU, and is still frequently used in commercials and TV programs.

Loved by people of all ages, it’s often played at weddings and various events.

Like threads woven vertically and horizontally by you and me who happened to meet, if we walk together, we might be able to help someone.

In an age where connections between people are growing tenuous, this is a song that makes you want to cherish human bonds anew.

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SAKI

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pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Footbridge”

This song opens with a scene that evokes the chill of autumn.

The protagonist’s doubts and inner conflict at a crossroads in life are mirrored in an everyday moment—whether to cross a pedestrian bridge.

With Nogizaka46’s characteristically delicate vocals and a melody that is both heartrending and powerful, it truly resonates.

Released as the title track of a single in December 2024, it also features Sakura Endo in the center, whose clear, transparent voice leaves a strong impression.

It’s a song that gently supports those hesitating over life’s choices or preparing to take a new step forward.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

This is the 29th single by singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue, whose unforgettable, distinctive voice and uniquely imaginative lyrics have led the folk and New Music scenes.

It’s Inoue’s biggest hit and is also well known for being covered by many artists.

In 2021, it gained attention again when suis from the rock band Yorushika covered it as the Japanese end song for the Disney film Luca.

Its melody, which evokes the bittersweet passing of summer, and its lyrical poetry create a timeless world that any era can envision.

A classic summer song that brings tears to your eyes with the loneliness of a season’s end.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dried flowersYuuri

Yuuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video (Short ver.)

Speaking of Yuuri’s tear-jerking masterpieces, Dry Flower comes to mind.

This song is an answer to Yuuri’s popular track Kakurenbo, which portrays the feelings of a heartbroken man; Dry Flower tells the story from the woman’s perspective, expressing her feelings toward him.

She was the one who chose to end the relationship, she wants to hate him—but she can’t forget him.

The aching emotions of a woman suffering with those lingering feelings are depicted poignantly.

For anyone going through a similarly painful love, this may be a breakup song that truly hits home.

Be sure to listen to it together with Kakurenbo.

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sasashina

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remainingYoshizawa Kayoko

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO

A song overflowing with Kayoko Yoshizawa’s unique charm, produced by Tomohiko Gondo, who has also worked on tracks for AAA and Kyoko Koizumi.

The lyrics, which say, “Even after the breakup, it feels like you’re everywhere, and every day I keep thinking of you,” will strike a painfully deep chord with anyone nursing a broken heart.

Listening when you want a good cry might just clear your mind.

Since its 2017 release, it has surpassed 5 million views on video sites and continues to steadily rack up more.

The music video—capturing the rough-and-tumble cityscape with a certain beauty—is a must-see.

Even if you’re short on time, don’t miss it!

cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe

Cosmos - Momoe Yamaguchi - Cosmos

This is the 19th single by Momoe Yamaguchi, the female singer who became a legend not only for her sudden retirement at the height of her idol career but also for consistently staying out of the media ever since.

The song drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, and it is known as a timeless classic that was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The lyrics, depicting a parent and child on the eve of the child’s wedding, evoke a sense of a final farewell, in contrast to today’s more friend-like parent–child relationships where it’s easy to meet even after marriage.

With a story that sings of gratitude and compassion for a mother and a melody tinged with melancholy that’s sure to bring tears, it’s a number that remains a milestone in J-POP history.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Although he was born a musician and raised in a family of musicians, singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama is also active on variety shows thanks to his distinctive personality.

This is his second single.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it has become a famous song that is virtually synonymous with “sakura songs” in the J-pop scene.

Its lyrics, evoking farewells and new encounters that come with cherry blossom season, make it an inevitable tearjerker for students, especially during graduation season.

The distinctive falsetto further tinges the beautiful melody with poignancy—a heart-trembling track.

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Hoshino Takashi

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