Recommended tear-jerking songs for women: classic and popular J‑pop tracks

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – If Being Alive Is Painful

This is a song I really want people who feel that life is often hard to listen to.

It gently stays by your side when you’re worn out.

Aren’t there times when being told to “hang in there” feels painful? In those moments, this song—like a light you can see at the end of a tunnel—comes highly recommended.

passing by each otherSoala

[Lyric Video] Passing Each Other - Soala

“Sorechigai” is a song that gives voice to the pent-up emotions of being told goodbye by someone you love.

Released in 2023 by singer-songwriter Soala, who rose to popularity through social media platforms like TikTok, the track blends a rhythmic R&B groove with her emotional vocals.

It portrays a bittersweet love that keeps asking the other person the same questions, even while knowing they are drifting apart.

The song’s structure—spoken, intimate verses that build into a passionate, soaring chorus—conveys an overflowing love, making it a poignant breakup anthem.

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At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – At the End of Sorrow [Official Video]

It’s a tear-jerking song released by The Elephant Kashimashi in 1996.

What lies beyond sorrow, I wonder? Perhaps the thoughts we have in the midst of despair are about the small joys of everyday life.

It’s a masterpiece of Japanese rock that I’d like people who are feeling sad to listen to.

meteorKobukuro

Kobukuro – Ryūsei (Meteor)

This is a song by Kobukuro, a wonderful musical duo from Japan known for their beautiful harmonies.

The gently flowing, drifting chorus feels like floating in a starry sky, and it’s so beautiful that you can’t help but be moved.

It’s a truly lovely classic that makes you want to gaze at the night sky and wish upon the stars.

pupilaiko

aiko - “Hitomi” (from Live Blu-ray/DVD ‘My 2 Decades 2’)

It’s a song said to have been given by aiko to a friend.

The very gentle atmosphere conveyed by the melody and lyrics feels similar to the tenderness of a mother embracing her child.

The joy of living, the farewells that will one day come, the loved ones who stay by our side—this is a song that turns our thoughts to the life that continues on and fills us with kindness.

heartaimyon

Aimyon – Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A poignant ballad that carefully portrays the complex emotions of love.

Released in 2021, this song was written by Aimyon as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married.” During production, she rewrote the lyrics from scratch for the first time, focusing on expressing feelings that are “not too cute, yet not too clumsy.” Inspired by the heart’s shape—round on top and pointed at the bottom—the song explores a relationship where affection and pain coexist.

It resonates deeply with those struggling with marriage or romance.

contrailArai Yumi

Vapor Trail / Hikouki Gumo

This song was created based on the experience of losing a classmate during the artist’s school days.

Its poetic imagery likening a soul ascending to heaven to a contrail, together with a clear, translucent vocal, intertwine beautifully to form a gem of a track.

Released in 1973 as the B-side to the single “Kitto Ieru,” it was also included on the album Hikōkigumo the same year.

In 2013, it was chosen as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises, touching the hearts of people across generations.

With its gently enveloping melody and relaxed tempo, it’s a warm, inviting song that makes you want to hum along together.