[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.
- Crying songs, tear-jerker tunes. A request of tears dedicated to you.
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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.
[When you want to cry or when you're sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen (91–100)
tear(s)Ketsumeishi
When you’re fed up with your own weaknesses, this song is sure to soothe you.
It’s a track by the music group Ketsumeishi, who have produced numerous hits like “Sakura” and “Kimi ni BUMP,” released in 2004 as their ninth single.
The relaxed tempo combined with the members’ warm vocals makes it wonderfully easy on the ears.
You’ll want to close your eyes and let the sound carry you.
If you’re on the verge of giving up on your dreams, take a break—listen to “Namida” and try resetting your mindset.
Summer Snowkrage
A song by singer-songwriter krage, chosen as the ending theme for the anime Raven of the Inner Palace, which is based on a fantasy novel.
It portrays the heartrending emotions of those deprived of freedom and burdened with a harsh fate, who earnestly long to live in the light.
Krage’s voice, combining clarity and strength, matches the song and the anime’s world perfectly.
As you listen, pay attention as well to the chorus sung in Chinese, which enhances the song’s atmosphere.
366 daysKamisiraishi Moka
Moka Kamishiraishi has covered HY’s iconic song “366 Days.” It overflows with a charm different from the original.
Her clear, translucent voice and the piano tones seep into the heart.
The song portrays a single-minded love that continues to think of one special person.
Even when lovers are separated, the feelings of love never fade away.
Why not listen to it while thinking of your first love?
The Toilet GodUemura Kana
Kana Uemura is a singer-songwriter who delivers a sound centered on guitar and piano-and-vocal performances.
Her signature song, created from her real-life experiences, is “Toire no Kamisama” (The God of the Toilet), released in 2010.
It’s inspired by her grandmother’s message to her: “There’s a god in the toilet.” You can feel kindness and compassion in her singing voice, carried by the gentle tone of the acoustic guitar.
The song is filled with phrases that resonate with people, like the idea that cleaning the toilet will make you beautiful and bring you happiness.
Please lend an ear to this classic imbued with a warm wish for the happiness of a beloved granddaughter.
Happinessback number
A song by back number whose poignant love theme captivates listeners and resonates with many.
The lyrics depict the story of a woman with a one-sided crush.
The man she longs for is likely her childhood friend or someone close to her.
However, he is in love with another woman, and the heroine is aware of it.
This song portrays a heartbreaking love story that could happen to anyone nearby.
Even if she isn’t the one chosen, her pure and beautiful wish for his happiness is sure to move your heart.
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro
Sakura, released by Naotaro Moriyama in 2003, has become a timeless staple across generations—used at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, and recognized as a classic “sakura song.” The piece is written as a solo with piano accompaniment, and even when you listen casually, Moriyama’s powerful voice and the gentle piano seep straight into your heart, leaving you on the verge of tears before you know it.
Some people may also remember practicing this piece as a choral song during their school days.
Hearing it again can bring back those memories and make the tears flow all the more.
canaryYonezu Kenshi
It’s no exaggeration to say that Kenshi Yonezu is now indispensable to any discussion of the Japanese music scene.
“Canary” is the final track on Yonezu’s fourth album, STRAY SHEEP, released in August 2020.
In the flow of the album, it powerfully ties everything together at the end—a medium-tempo ballad that prompts reflection and leaves many feelings in your heart.
With its beautiful piano melody, it resonates with listeners of all kinds and can move you to tears; it’s a song created for a challenging era.
