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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Tearjerker Songs Recommended for Women: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits (31–40)
Forever LoveX JAPAN
This is X JAPAN’s 14th single, released in 1996.
It’s a ballad whose beautiful vocals and sound, along with heartrending lyrics, bring listeners to tears.
The song is also famous for being used in a commercial featuring Junichiro Koizumi, who openly declared himself an X Japan fan.
Toshi’s one-of-a-kind voice is truly moving.
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.
Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
This is one of Angela Aki’s signature songs, released in 2008.
Why not cast your mind back to those sensitive, formative years? What was your younger self thinking as they went through each day? It’s a classic you’ll want to dedicate to the you who was struggling back then.
It’s also a popular choice as a middle school graduation song.
Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro’s “Baby Don’t Cry” is one of those timeless songs whose appeal doesn’t fade with the years—it really resonates with the heart! While it carries a touch of poignancy, it also delivers an uplifting message, making it a true “anthem for those who keep moving forward.” Among her songs, this one is relatively easy to sing, and its melody is so catchy you can’t help but hum along after just one listen.
Also, if you bring extra emotion into the key-change section, it can create an even more moving effect.
When you’re feeling down, belt it out at karaoke—sometimes with friends, sometimes on your own—and let it lift your spirits!
Tearjerker songs recommended for women: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (41–50)
Memory of LifeNikaidou Kazumi
A beautiful song with a lovely singing voice that was chosen as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.” Listen to it while reflecting on life and the finiteness of our existence.
Kazumi Nikaido is a skilled singer who can handle everything from simple pieces to powerful performances with a jazz band.
As a side note, she is said to hold a monk’s qualification.
NO SIDEMatsutōya Yumi
It’s a song released in 1984.
It’s said to be themed around a rugby match, and the lyrics that evoke the end of the game are moving.
The warm vocals really resonate in the heart.
It’s a gentle masterpiece that stays close to the listener and feels like it’s cheering you on.