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)
how beautiful you areHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s work, which gently sings of gratitude to her mother, is a heartwarming ballad that celebrates the presence of someone precious.
It gazes upon the beauty that shines within each of us, and its delicate piano melody colors a message of gratitude for the small moments of everyday life.
Included on the album “Party Queen,” it was released in February 2012 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi” (Second to Last Love).
The warmly affectionate music video portrays the daily lives of diverse people, filled with kindness that resonates in the viewer’s heart.
When you can’t find the words to express your gratitude to someone important, sending this song will surely convey your feelings.
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.
passing by each otherSoala
“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.
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?
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women: Famous and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
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.