[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 (121–130)
The true soundKOKIA
This is a song by KOKIA that calls on listeners to tune in to their true inner voice when they feel they’re losing sight of the meaning or purpose of life.
It urges us to face the part of ourselves that gets swept along by a superficial world and to reexamine our fundamental values.
With a translucent vocal and a beautiful piano melody that soaks into the heart, the piece feels like a cry from the depths of the soul.
Included on the album “moment,” released in May 2011, this work stands as a symbol of KOKIA’s musical maturity and has deeply moved many listeners.
It’s a song that offers companionship to those who feel lonely or anxious and are on the verge of losing their sense of purpose, and to anyone seeking a path that is true to themselves.
366 daysHY
As adults, we often find ourselves in situations where we have to prioritize reason over emotion, and many people may even feel resistance to expressing sadness.
But sometimes it’s important to let yourself cry and be set free.
For those who want to cry but can’t, I recommend HY’s “366 Days.” Included on their fifth album released in 2008, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “The Red Thread” and became a huge hit with 4.5 million downloads.
Its heartrending lyrics—about wanting to stay connected even as feelings drift apart—bring tears to your eyes, and by the time you reach the end, you may find the tears won’t stop.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to take your time, listen closely, and have a good cry.
HitotsuboshiKOH⁺
Even if you can’t be by their side, “Hitotsuboshi” is imbued with the wish for a loved one’s happiness.
Created by KOH⁺, the musical duo of Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Silent Parade.” The lyrics, which evoke the story of the film and portray the unbearable weight and hardships of life, resonate deeply.
The passionate guitar performance and string arrangements also convey a powerful impact.
It’s a song that declares that, even if parting comes, the feelings for someone precious will never change.
Why not lend an ear to these words of love, filled with kindness and compassion?
Banzai ~Glad I fell in love~Urufuruzu
This is one of Ulfuls’ signature songs.
When you think of Ulfuls, “Guts Da ze!” is famous, but it was this song, released after that big hit, that cemented their popularity.
It has a masculine vibe, yet it’s the kind of song that can bring you to tears when you listen to it.
Give it a listen when you feel like crying.
[For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking classic songs that make you cry when you listen (131–140)
Tears of TomorrowKoseki Mai
It’s a song that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Even now, I can’t stop the tears when I listen to it.
You can keenly feel the emotions of the protagonist who’s been told it’s over.
There’s a scene set in a memorable café where the breakup is announced, and it really seeps into the listener’s heart.
With a sound reminiscent of 1990s J-pop, fans reportedly regard it as a “great track.” It’s included on the single “Namida no Tomorrow / Yes! Hare Yohō,” released in April 2024.
It’s a warm song that stays close to those who’ve been heartbroken and offers encouragement.
Give it a listen when you feel like crying.
Ending themeamazarashi
An exquisite masterpiece ballad by the rock band amazarashi.
The lyrics read like a will—a final message—from a man facing death.
As he looks back on what has happened, he shares so much about what truly matters in life and his own understanding of the essence of happiness; you can’t help but be deeply moved.
The music video, crafted with a distinctive worldview to match the song’s concept, is also incredibly powerful and draws you in more and more as you watch.
By the time you realize it, this is a song that will likely have you in tears.
the scent of flowersMr.Children
It’s a moving song that sings, “You’re not here now, but I feel your presence in my heart.” It’s a track by Mr.Children, a rock band that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene, released as a digital single in 2008.
It drew attention as the theme song for the film “I Want to Be a Shellfish.” The lyrics reflect vocalist Sakurai’s feelings for his late father.
The more you listen carefully, the more it makes you cry—an undeniable masterpiece that deserves to be sung for generations.
