[For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
Even when you feel like crying, it’s not as easy to shed tears as it was when you were a child once you’ve grown up.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of songs perfect for when you want to cry—from tear-jerking melodies to moving masterpieces.
These are all tracks you can listen to alone at home and really let the tears flow.
We’ve gathered everything from classics to the latest hits: songs that help you free the part of yourself that can’t cry, and songs that stay close to your pain and lift you up.
Find that one song that speaks to your heart—and let yourself have a good, cathartic cry.
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- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
[For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen (61–70)
cherrysupittsu
The melody is so poppy that you wouldn’t think it’s a heartbreak song, and Masamune Kusano’s breezy, wind-like vocals linger in your ears.
Those days won’t come back, but I won’t forget you.
It carries a message of treasuring the memories in your heart and moving forward with your life.
sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae
This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” performed by singer Toaka, who gained attention through her activities on TikTok.
The lyrics and composition are by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS—who co-produced the film’s music—together with film composer Kazuma Jinnouchi.
From the very first note, Toaka’s crystalline voice grips the heart.
With lyrics depicting the emotions of girls who grow as they face adversity and a grand, sweeping sound, it’s a profoundly moving track.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
An overwhelming sense of loss for a cherished person you can no longer meet.
Gently accompanying that aching heart are the works of Totasan, an artist drawing attention as a bedroom creator.
Released in February 2023 and included on the first album “oidaki,” this piece sparked a major reaction, even reaching No.
1 on the USEN HIT SNS rankings.
Its poetic worldview—overlaying delicate, shifting emotions onto natural scenes like the sky and wind—leaves a strong impression.
While wishing for the other person’s happiness, the fierce longing to meet them once more creates a painful inner conflict that tightens your chest just by listening.
Even amid sorrow, the resolve to weave hope for tomorrow is sure to move your heart.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
A signature song by Mayo Okamoto that’s also beloved as a cheer-up anthem.
Released in 1995, it became a huge hit.
Surprisingly, “TOMORROW” was her debut single.
Knowing the story behind it—that her grandfather, who opposed her move to Tokyo to pursue singing, wrote to her, “Life is full of tears”—makes the song resonate even more.
Warm lyrics over a bell-like backing track.
How many people has it given courage to? It’s a timeless classic that will never fade.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
It’s probably Hata Motohiro’s most famous song, isn’t it? Released in 2015 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it became a long-running hit.
It’s a song that moves you far beyond tears—it truly seeps into the heart.
Even from the intro, the melody is incredibly gentle.
You can really feel the deep care for a friend coming through.
There’s also a mysterious charm that makes you want to come back to it from time to time for no particular reason.
Please listen to it while thinking of someone precious to you.
Dried flowersYuuri
There are plenty of songs that make you cry, but when it comes to classic tearjerkers, aren’t heartbreak songs the first that come to mind? The song “Dry Flower” is by singer-songwriter Yuuri and serves as a sequel to “Kakurenbo,” which was released in 2019 as his first digital single.
“Kakurenbo” is a heartbreak song from a male perspective, while “Dry Flower” is from a female perspective—like two pieces that complete each other.
The bittersweet, helpless emotions in this track, and listening to both songs in order, make it all the more moving.
HikariAndrop
This song was the theme for the 2018 drama “Good Doctor.” With its easy-to-listen voice and captivating melody, it became a popular hit.
The message is: “If you, who saved me from the darkness of despair, are suffering, then I want to save you.” May every day with you shine brightly.
It’s a song that helps you stay positive.
If you listen when you feel like crying, it will surely help you take the first step forward.