[120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
When it comes to moving songs, what kind of tracks come to mind for you?
Whether it’s love songs, fight songs, or songs about youth, I’m sure everyone has had the experience of thinking, “This song really moved me!!”
There are many different kinds of moving songs, but one common thread among them is that they often “overlap with our own experiences” in some way.
When we encounter lyrics or music that speak for the feelings we’ve been through, our hearts are touched by the power of music.
In this article, I’ll introduce many deeply relatable, moving songs.
Some may even move you to tears.
I hope you find the perfect song for you!
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
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- [Recommended for elementary school students] Songs that touch the heart! Moving and comforting songs of gratitude
- [Touching Song] A moving song that sings about you
- A collection of tear-jerking songs trending on TikTok: timeless tracks that will move you to tears.
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- Friendship Songs: Rediscover Your Bonds! A Carefully Curated Selection of Moving Masterpieces That Will Bring You to Tears
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- [For High School Students] A Collection of Touching Friendship Songs
[Empathy Level 120%] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement] (141–150)
HarukaYOASOBI
This song, created by the duo YOASOBI who turn novels into music, is based on “Tsuki Oji” (The Moon Prince) written by broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.
The lyrics tell the story of a girl named Haruka and the mug she always cherished.
As Haruka grows up through life events such as advancing in school and getting married, she continues to treasure that mug, even after moving house and having a child.
Although the mug breaks at the end of the story, it’s a work that moves you with the long-standing friendship between Haruka and her mug.
The original novel is also a quick read, so be sure to read it before listening to the song.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Initially active as a Vocaloid producer and now a nationally beloved singer supported by a wide range of age groups, Kenshi Yonezu.
His song “Lemon,” released in 2018, became a record-breaking hit that cemented his popularity.
Written for the drama “Unnatural,” the track closely ties into the show’s themes of life and death; its tear-jerking lyrics and stirring melody make it profoundly moving.
It paints a beautiful yet delicate landscape that encompasses experiences many people go through—such as the loss of a loved one—and the feelings of regret that follow.
smileAnly
It’s one of those warm songs that makes you want to keep smiling especially when times are tough, isn’t it? In this track by Anly, a singer-songwriter from Ie Island in Okinawa, the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and her direct, powerful vocals resonate deep in the heart.
From the lyrics, you can feel a strong resolve to think of the loved ones by your side and keep moving forward no matter how difficult the situation.
The song was written as the theme for the special drama “Boku no Inochi,” which aired in March 2016 and was based on the true story of a boy battling a serious illness and his family.
In the video filmed on her hometown of Ie Island, the expressions of the island’s people add even more emotional depth to the song.
When you want to be reminded of the bonds you share with those you love, or need a gentle nudge forward, listening to this will surely bring warm tears to your eyes.
[120% Empathy] Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Cheers] (151–160)
LADYYonezu Kenshi
I think the time you spend with someone special will become even more wonderful.
It’s a song by the popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who has produced numerous hits like “KICK BACK,” released in 2023.
It was written specifically for a Georgia (Japan Coca-Cola) commercial.
With its bouncy piano and cheerful horn section that linger in your ears, it’s a warm, inviting piece.
Yonezu’s vocals also carry a happy vibe, and as you listen, you can’t help but feel cozy inside.
The Toilet GodUemura Kana
It’s a touching, story-style song that expresses gratitude to a grandmother who taught the singer how to clean the toilet.
Created by Hyogo-born singer-songwriter Kana Uemura and released in 2010, it became a hit thanks to its impactful title and warm message, later being adapted into a novel and a TV drama.
Each word carries a gentle warmth that calms the heart.
Please give it a listen while thinking about your own grandmother.
Before the departureWANIMA
WANIMA is a rock band that has encouraged listeners with impassioned words and vocals.
Their song “Tabidachi no Mae ni,” released in April 2021, was chosen as the theme song for “Fight! Kyushu,” an initiative organized by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Even when you feel like you’re giving it your all, it can be disheartening when the results don’t show, or when people tell you you’re not trying hard enough.
This song carries the message: “It’s okay to fail as many times as it takes—just don’t give up and keep holding on.”
YC&K
This song, a signature track by the musical duo C&K, is extremely popular as a beautifully heartbreaking piece that brings listeners to tears.
In the opening lyrics, a sweet, happy couple is portrayed, but from the second verse a sudden, sorrowful story unfolds.
Out of nowhere, a separation befalls the two who had been living happily together.
Moreover, by the time you read the lyrics to the end, you can infer that it’s likely a parting by death.
The stark contrast between the first and second halves—so sad yet somehow heartwarming—comes from the earnest feelings within it, the kind you could call true love.
It’s a masterpiece that you can’t listen to without tears.