[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.

Playlist

[For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently embraces the uncertainties of youth
2	horizonback number		A high schooler's dream that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
3	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		Hold onto hope, believe in yourself, and never give up.
4	Because I fell in loveaimyon		A heart-touching song by Aimyon that sings about the pain of heartbreak
5	KanadeSukima Suichi		A timeless song that sings of parting with a loved one and of hope
6	tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa		A heartrending song that portrays the pain of heartbreak, resonating deeply in the heart.
7	NAOHY		HY’s heartbreak song “NAO” resonates with the heart.
8	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s heart-stirring cheer song, The Power to Live
9	leap day personRADWIMPS		A song that cherishes our limited lives and expresses love
10	gardenFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s soul-stirring songs
11	Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		A letter to my 15-year-old self, a moving graduation song
12	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		The emotional songs of SUPER BEAVER
13	Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai		A poignant love song for the night that echoes in the heart, ‘Yoru-Naga Uta’ (‘Eternal Night Song’)
14	EncoreYOASOBI		The story of two people who met on the last day of the world
15	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		The allure of Kenshi Yonezu’s poetic and fantastical songs
16	AnswerIkuta Rira		An encouraging song that gives you the courage to keep walking toward the future, even while you're unsure
17	StoryAI		AI’s signature song “Story” is a moving masterpiece.
18	One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki 'One more time'
19	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		A heartwarming ballad that faces forward with hope and anxiety
20	pendulumUru		Feeling that life is hard is also a part of life.
21	Happy Endingback number		Depicting the bittersweet pain and tenderness of a broken heart
22	Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko		Blue and summer, a beautiful story woven by a duet
23	Family SongHoshino Gen		A classic song that gently sings of everyday happiness and family bonds
24	Goodbye, LipsHarureo		A heartbreak song: Haru Leo sing a bittersweet farewell
25	Because you are hereUru		Uru's 'Ship of Theseus' theme song: a song of empathy and family love
26	YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu		Music gives us the courage to overcome hardships.
27	If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism		A masterpiece that sings of the poignant feelings of a long-distance romance
28	I miss you. I want to see you.Tezuka Shota		An introduction to moving musical pieces from TV dramas
29	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s classic that sings of gratitude to parents resonates in the heart.
30	The Sound of SnowGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s poignant winter classic
31	The Brink of NightRADWIMPS		Yojiro Noda’s gentle song that stands with those affected by the earthquake
32	sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children		Mr.Children's moving love song
33	He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon		Aimyon: the warmth of raw, life-affirming songs
34	Only a single voicerokudenashi		A poignant song that comforts heartbreak and loneliness
35	It’s nothing.RADWIMPS		"Your Name." A moving song by RADWIMPS
36	Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN		A famous song by the Okinawan band BEGIN that sings of longing for their hometown
37	I love you, but I can’t love you.AAA		A poignant AAA song that portrays the difficulties of love
38	I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci		Popular songs by wacci: wistful lyrics and tones
39	atonementKasamura Tōta		The courage to accept yourself and move forward
40	HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE		A theme song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that resonates with the heart
41	PrologueUru		A gentle-voiced song that sings of a heart-wrenching unrequited love.
42	morning gloryorisaka yuta		Yuta Orisaka’s “Asagao,” a moving song that resonates with the heart
43	Memories from todayAimer		Aimer’s sad farewell song resonates with the heart
44	Every dayAbe Mao		Mao Abe’s heartrending love song expresses deep emotions.
45	Mikan HeartC&K		C&K’s bittersweet unrequited-love cheer song
46	lovesicknessAimer		‘Koiwazurai,’ a song about complex emotions
47	Let’s go home.Fujii Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s masterpiece “Kaerou”: its moving charm
48	Oz.yama		A warm musical tale that portrays loneliness and friendship
49	Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru		Be healed at heart by Utada Hikaru’s classic song
50	Where the Wind GoesAdo		Ending theme song of the One Piece movie
51	Love even your melancholyKoresawa		A moving, heart-healing feeling from Koresawa’s lyrics
52	Maplesupittsu		A song of hope in life, continuing to walk on even as we lose things
53	First LoveUtada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru’s bittersweet love song
54	A Naked Heartaimyon		A song by Aimyon about failed love
55	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A song of grief and hope for a dearly loved one lost
56	#302Hirai Ken		A song whose gentle tones and vocals steal your heart.
57	Dried flowersYuuri		The heartbreak song “Dry Flower” resonates with the heart.
58	shutterYuuri		A heart-touching song by Yuuri that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart
59	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A heart that thinks of you even when apart, JUJU’s cheering song
60	AitaiKato Miria		Miliyah Kato’s love songs resonate with the heart.
61	balladKetsumeishi		A straight-to-the-heart ballad that moves you to tears
62	cherrysupittsu		A youthful song about heartbreak that keeps looking forward
63	sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae		An emotional theme song from a Makoto Shinkai film born on TikTok
64	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		A forward-looking song sung by Aoi Teshima, hope for dreams
65	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Mayo Okamoto's signature song 'TOMORROW' debut single
66	paintingŌmori Motoki		A hauntingly mystical song that stirs Motoki Omori’s heart
67	glowing madder-redAimer		Aimer’s famous song that sings of the poignant loneliness of being alone
68	KoiAndrop		An emotional song by androp that portrays a heartrending love
69	The sky of TokyoOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda’s moving masterpiece that reflects on life
70	HikariAndrop		A heartwarming theme song that leads us toward a radiant future
71	It’s going to spill.YU-KI		A song about the courage to cherish your true self
72	The Song of Good Workaoiro		When I'm tired, that's exactly when aoiro's songs heal me.
73	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s movie theme song, a masterpiece that resonates with the heart
74	homeKiyama Yusaku		A heartwarming classic that sings of the love and growth of parenting
75	tear(s)Marushii		A song that reminisces about a past love by the summer seaside
76	You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn		A popular unrequited love song on TikTok resonates with listeners
77	If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro		The moving singing voice and profound lyrics of Naotaro Moriyama
78	KanadeJUJU		JUJU covers a male artist’s song
79	Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB		A classic hit by Kome Kome Club from the ’90s that accompanies departures
80	I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo		A heartwarming song by Atarayo, whose poignant lyrics resonate with the heart.
81	dogwoodHitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo's Song of Prayer for Peace
82	RAINSEKAI NO OWARI		RAIN, a heart-healing main theme that warms the soul
83	Farewell, tearsKetsumeishi		An encouraging song by Ketsumeishi that heals the loneliness of parting
84	One million “I love you”sRake		An R&B love song that sings of the depth of love
85	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic, a moving masterpiece
86	Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi		Beat Takeshi’s youth song: love and dreams for his partner
87	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada, a song of complex emotions
88	indigoSukima Suichi		A masterpiece that deeply portrays Sukima Switch’s emotions
89	An empty kitchenTakahashi Yuu		Depicting the sorrow of parting and the memories of a lost love
90	Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako		Hanako Oku's singing heals the pain of heartbreak.
91	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic song “HANABI” resonates in the heart.
92	tear(s)Ketsumeishi		Songs that heal you when you feel weak
93	Summer Snowkrage		A heartrending song yearning for the light, transcending a harsh fate
94	366 daysKamisiraishi Moka		Moka Kamishiraishi covers HY’s “366 Days”
95	The Toilet GodUemura Kana		Kana Uemura’s signature song “Toire no Kamisama” (The God of the Toilet)
96	Happinessback number		A bittersweet unrequited love, a pure heart that wishes for others’ happiness
97	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura” is a moving graduation song.
98	canaryYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece “Canary” resonates with the heart.
99	Tears Flowing EndlesslyMoriyama Ryoko		“Nada Sōsō” is a famous song with lyrics written by Ryoko Moriyama.
100	I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi		A bittersweet ballad that can't convey feelings of love
101	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana		A heartfelt song that sings of the sorrow of a bittersweet farewell.
102	When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru sings about the heartbreak of a broken romance.
103	March 9Remioromen		Gratitude and hopeful feelings toward someone special
104	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie		A timeless masterpiece that sings of pure, straightforward love—a moving love song
105	crescent moonayaka		Ayaka’s song that eases the loneliness of a long-distance relationship
106	Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine” is a moving love song.
107	flameLiSA		“Homura” is a moving song that resonates with the heart, stirring memories and tears.
108	I’m home.Teshima Aoi		Aoi Teshima’s singing voice resonates in the heart as a movie theme song.
109	Ah, what a relief.Hana＊Hana		A moving love song to sing with your partner
110	Even if I’m not there.Hirai Dai		A heartfelt song by Dai Hirai that portrays a father's feelings
111	Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta		Kenta Kiritani’s moving song, a melody like the sea
112	Before morning comesHata Motohiro		A song about overcoming sorrow and looking ahead
113	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A moving graduation song by GReeeeN, “Haruka”
114	Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG		Parting is not an end, but the beginning of a new path.
115	I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa		Oda Kazumasa’s moving masterpiece that sings of deep feelings
116	I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma		A beloved classic by Thelma Aoyama that portrays a long-distance relationship
117	periodIshizaki Hyuui		A moving masterpiece that sings of the pain of heartbreak: “Period”
118	I miss you so much, I want to see you.Nishino Kana		A heartbreaking love song about longing to meet someone
119	passing by each otherSoala		A song that expresses the bittersweet feelings of heartbreak in an R&B style
120	NautilusYorushika		A story of loss and love of a girl chasing her dreams
121	I long to see you now.MISIA		MISIA “Aitakute Ima” — a masterpiece depicting life
122	First LoveUru		Theme song of the film “First Love”: Uru’s beautiful singing voice
123	forget-me-notAwesome City Club		Awesome City Club's CD 'Wasurena'
124	sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo's debut work, a heartwarming, original sound
125	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
126	meteoryoshida takurou		Low sales but a masterpiece—an inspiring work that transcends time.
127	The true soundKOKIA		Listen to your inner voice and reexamine your core values
128	366 daysHY		A song that conveys the importance of releasing emotions and shedding tears
129	HitotsuboshiKOH⁺		Unchanging love even after we part, a movie theme song
130	Banzai ~Glad I fell in love~Urufuruzu		A manly, heart-stirring classic by Ulfuls
131	Tears of TomorrowKoseki Mai		A heartbreak song that resonates with the soul, a healing melody
132	Ending themeamazarashi		A masterpiece that portrays a man's final message in the face of death
133	the scent of flowersMr.Children		A moving masterpiece filled with feelings for my late father
134	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		A healing song that helps you face your true feelings
135	setting sunToukyou Jihen		Ringo Sheena’s “Rakujitsu” is a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
136	Whale songKumaki Anri		Whale Song: A Sea Melody That Soothes the Soul
137	I wanted to dance to your heartbeat.Pikon		A song whose piano melody resonates with the heart
138	Heart Rainindigo la End		A ballad that quietly sings about a romantic breakup
139	I want to see you.yuzu		Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father
140	Close your eyesHirai Ken		A ballad about longing for a lost lover
141	Family LandscapeHanaregumi		A heartwarming song that conveys feelings for one’s family
142	Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya		Be soothed at heart by Mariya Takeuchi’s “Genki wo Dashite”
143	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s movie theme song. A ballad depicting love and farewell.
144	twilightTHE BLUE HEARTS		The Blue Hearts’ vocals that resonate with the heart
145	Best FriendKiroro		When I'm tired, Kirro's songs support me.
146	To the futureKiroro		A moving graduation song, a song of gratitude to mothers
147	Endless JourneyMr.Children		A moving song to refresh yourself through tear therapy
148	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		A heartwarming song that portrays the importance of bonds between people
149	Until the day I can no longer rememberback number		A poignant singing voice that lingers in the heart, even if forgotten
150	LeoYuuri		A poignant classic depicting the farewell and bond with a beloved dog, “Leo”
151	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		The moving lyrics of the Okinawan folk song “Nada Sōsō”
152	Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki		A 1986 classic that evokes nostalgic memories
153	single bedSha ran Q		A bittersweet love song by Sharan Q, a track that resonates with the heart
154	Beyond lonelinessHirahara Ayaka		A gentle song for you, always on my mind
155	harf of meHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's 'half of me' is about the pain of a broken heart.
156	signJUJU		JUJU delivers a heartfelt song as a movie theme
157	Never Grow Upchanmina		A Chanmina song that portrays the pain and growth of heartbreak
158	I want to be kinder.Saito Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Saito’s moving classic “Yasashiku Naritai”