Recommended tear-jerking songs for women: classic and popular J‑pop tracks
We’ve put together a collection of songs you’ll want to listen to when you’re heartbroken, or when, for reasons you can’t quite explain, you just want to have a good cry.
From famous tracks to hidden gems, this feature is sure to help you find the perfect song to match your mood.
Listen while thinking of someone, or while facing your own feelings.
Even well-known songs you hear all the time can make you think, “Wait, was this always such a tearjerker?” when you really listen closely.
So go ahead and cry your heart out—and feel refreshed afterward!
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Tear-jerking songs recommended for women: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)
Family SongHoshino Gen
This is a song released in 2017 as the theme for the drama “Overprotected Kahoko.” You’ll be wrapped in Gen Hoshino’s gentle vocals and the song’s world.
It has a warm atmosphere, yet carries a touch of bittersweetness that gives it a unique charm.
It’s a wonderful track to listen to while wishing happiness for your family or someone special.
presentTamaki Kōji
Released in 2005, this famous song was used as the theme for a drama in which Koji Tamaki himself appeared.
His vocal ability and expressiveness are remarkable—it’s the kind of performance that can move you to tears just by listening.
His singing style has gradually changed as he’s aged, but his essential charm hasn’t changed at all, has it?
Tearjerker Songs Recommended for Women: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits (31–40)
a typical womanShiina Ringo
It was included on the 2014 album Hi Izuru Tokoro.
The song is said to feature lyrics in which Ringo Sheena sings about her relationship with her mother.
Not only women with children, but any grown woman may find herself reflecting on the world portrayed in its lyrics.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
Gekko (Moonlight), well known as the theme song for the drama TRICK starring Yukie Nakama and Hiroshi Abe, is a track released in 2001 by singer-songwriter Chihiro Onitsuka and is famous as one of her signature songs.
Life isn’t always easy, and there are times when we feel worn out.
Even when you’re tired, you might get fed up with a world that constantly demands positivity.
In those moments, listen to this song and let it detox the everyday haze from your mind.
The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki
Makihara Noriyuki’s 32nd single, “The One I Wanted Most,” was released in 2004.
Because the song was featured in various dramas and commercials, many people may find its chorus familiar.
Makihara’s songs often have a heartwarming, gentle quality.
This track, too, is a moving piece that reminds us of kindness toward others and can even shift our own way of thinking.
We all want to be kind to someone at any time and be the kind of person who makes others feel good, don’t we?
So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.
Singer-songwriter Riria gained popularity after posting self-accompanied performance videos on TikTok and YouTube.
Known for love songs from every perspective, her 2021 release “Watachi Janakattan Da Ne” (“So It Wasn’t Me”) expresses the bittersweet feelings toward someone who sends mixed signals.
Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that capture the frustration of staying in a more-than-friends, less-than-lovers relationship that never quite comes together.
Paired with her conversational vocal style, it’s a breakup song that closely mirrors the emotions of young people.
Give it a listen—it’s frequently used in TikTok videos themed around poignant love stories.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
“Yuki no Hana” (“Snow Flower”), a wish for happiness that lasts forever.
Released by singer Mika Nakashima in 2003, it’s an indispensable staple among tear-jerking masterpieces.
It’s a very happy song that portrays a couple spending time joyfully together and wishing to stay by each other’s side forever.
However, the song’s meaning truly comes together because of the presence of “snow,” which appears in the title and as the central motif.
Snow can only be seen in winter—pure white and beautiful, yet as spring approaches and the weather warms, it melts and disappears.
Even the most beautiful things will one day vanish; that sense of transience is woven into the song.
With that in mind, reading the lyrics reveals the bittersweet poignancy the song carries.