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: Japanese classics and popular tracks (51–60)
After the nightadieu
The stage name that Moka Kamishiraishi—who is active as an actress, model, and TV personality—uses for her singing career is adieu.
The song included on her 2019 album “adieu 1” is “Yoru no Ato” (After the Night).
It carries a tender yet heartrending message for the moment before parting with a loved one.
Many listeners may relate to the lyrics that express wishing happiness for the other person, even while knowing you’ll be separated.
It’s a ballad in which her clear, translucent voice resonates, offering comfort to the loneliness of the night.
Why not give this track—often used in breakup-themed videos and lyric videos—a listen?
What do you want to become?Rozarīna
Facing the true feelings that we’re prone to forget as we repeat our days, “Nani ni Naritakute,” was released in 2020 by singer-songwriter Rozarina, known for her work on numerous anime songs.
It portrays the raw emotions of having dreams and goals and working hard, yet losing sight of what you truly want to do.
The rhythmic vocals carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar are sure to soothe a tired heart.
It’s a song filled with a gentle message that tells you it’s okay to let your tears fall sometimes.
remainingYoshizawa Kayoko
A song overflowing with Kayoko Yoshizawa’s unique charm, produced by Tomohiko Gondo, who has also worked on tracks for AAA and Kyoko Koizumi.
The lyrics, which say, “Even after the breakup, it feels like you’re everywhere, and every day I keep thinking of you,” will strike a painfully deep chord with anyone nursing a broken heart.
Listening when you want a good cry might just clear your mind.
Since its 2017 release, it has surpassed 5 million views on video sites and continues to steadily rack up more.
The music video—capturing the rough-and-tumble cityscape with a certain beauty—is a must-see.
Even if you’re short on time, don’t miss it!
To My AdolescenceAka-hoho Shishunki
A Korean-born singer active mainly in Korea and Japan, BOL4 (Bolbbalgan4), released “To My Youth” in 2019.
The song expresses the helpless feelings experienced during one’s youth and portrays the act of facing those overwhelming emotions.
Set to a clear, piano-centered sound, her emotional vocals convey a wide range of feelings.
On TikTok, it’s frequently used in videos themed around school life and romance.
It’s a gentle ballad that offers comfort in moments of anxiety—whether about friendships, love, or the future.
Give this song a listen to experience a track that captures the unique confusion of adolescence.
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women: Famous and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
Give me a gentle kiss.DREAM COME TURU
Even a love that didn’t come true is miraculous simply because you met that person and fell in love at all, isn’t it? Among DREAMS COME TRUE’s many famous songs, “Yasashii Kiss o Shite” is especially popular.
When you read the lyrics, there’s definitely a sense that something’s complicated.
Two people have fallen into a forbidden love.
Even though they know they can’t be happy if they keep going like this, once you’ve fallen in love, it’s not so easy to give up.
The protagonist of “Yasashii Kiss o Shite” calmly observes her own wretchedness, pathos, and the helpless situation she’s in, and resolves, “Even so, I want to love this person.” It’s a song about a woman who, though she knows it won’t be fulfilled, keeps thinking of one person with unwavering devotion—both delicate and strong.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
A ballad infused with ReoNa’s deep emotions, where a warm melody wrapped in kindness is accompanied by a soul-stirring voice.
It delicately portrays the hardships of living, the small setbacks in everyday life, and the subtle feelings of trying to overcome them.
Included as a track on the single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, it has soothed the hearts of many listeners.
This piece, in which the piano’s melody and ReoNa’s vocals blend beautifully, is a gem written and composed by Tota Kasamura.
Her voice, which gently stays close to a weary heart, is perfect for times when you want to be encouraged—or when you want to encourage someone else.
Sentimental KissShio Reira
A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.
The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.
Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.
Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.