Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
Do you ever cry in your everyday life?
In fact, it’s said that crying has a relaxing effect on humans.
Of course, we’d rather avoid tears of sadness, but in today’s so-called stress-filled society, healthy ways to release stress are essential for maintaining mental and physical balance.
So this time, we’re introducing tear-jerking songs recommended for Gen Z.
From blockbuster hits everyone knows to hidden gems, we’ve compiled a wide-ranging list—so go ahead and use it to cleanse your heart.
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Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Must-listen tearjerker classics for Gen Z (1–10)
LemonYonezu Kenshi
A signature song by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
Written as the theme for the TV drama “Unnatural,” it was his eighth major-label single, and upon its digital release in February 2018, it became an instant smash hit.
The lyrics, which express feelings for a precious person who has been lost, touch on a universal theme that anyone can relate to.
Its bouncy shuffle rhythm and highly dynamic melody are challenging yet fun to sing.
It’s a masterpiece that will go down in J-pop history, and a great recommendation when you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke.
The impact of a single dropUVERworld
A song by UVERworld that portrays an attitude of confronting life’s hardships and inequalities.
It features a powerful rock sound and emotional melodies, with lyrics by TAKUYA∞ filled with deep insight.
Released in February 2017, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga.
The track emphasizes the importance of moving forward without being bound by past events or failures, offering courage to live positively while maintaining a realistic perspective.
For younger generations struggling with life, it may serve as a source of emotional support.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.
Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.
Guaranteed to make you cry! Tear-jerking masterpieces recommended for Gen Z (11–20)
I want to see you.nowisee
A nowisee track whose beautiful melody, steeped in poignancy and transience, will stir your heart.
Its innovative music video, which used ten thousand sparkler fireworks, also made waves.
The song is included on the album “Shō no Sensō” (The War in Our Palms), released in August 2016.
The lyrics, depicting a powerful longing for lost love, are sure to pierce the listener’s heart.
While incorporating elements of electronica and post-rock, this work unfolds with a unique sound.
It’s a song I especially recommend to those who have lost someone dear, or who carry a deep, ardent feeling for someone.
evening primroseNovelbright
This work portrays a poignant state of mind: unable to forget a once‑beloved person, the protagonist can’t help but keep chasing their lingering shadow as memories of days gone by well up.
Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s delicate high-tone voice gently envelops the pain of a protagonist who cannot accept the breakup.
The grand sound centered on piano and strings is another highlight.
It’s a song to listen to when you want something to stay close to the pain of heartbreak, or when you can’t take a step into a new love.
Don’t die!kocchi no kento
This song carries a message that appeals to the importance of living.
Created out of a desire to reach out to people who struggle with feelings of inferiority, it incorporates contemporary language so that many listeners can feel close to it.
After its release in December 2022, it saw a significant ripple effect on social media and ranked on Spotify’s domestic viral chart for five consecutive months.
With over 14 million total streams on subscription services and MV views, it has touched many hearts.
It’s a moving track that we especially recommend to those who are struggling with life or want to face themselves.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon
Aimyong’s major-label debut track features lyrics that capture the darker side of modern society and a strikingly nostalgic acoustic sound.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?”, the song was released in November 2016 and moved the hearts of many listeners.
Through the story of a girl who jumped to her death, it sharply portrays the struggle that lies between life and death and the indifference of those around her.
Its strong, resonant message speaks to young people living in the age of social media, giving it a powerful impact as a debut single.
It’s a soul-stirring song you’ll want to hear when you’re ready to face the feelings deep within.