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! Tear-jerking masterpieces recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
tear(s)Marushii
A love ballad that portrays the ache of heartbreak in stark contrast to the dazzling summer sun.
It’s a work released in August 2025 by the rock band Marcy, known for down-to-earth lyrics that resonate.
Memories of love told in the past tense and words detailing feelings that will never reach their destination shake the listener’s heart.
Skillful metaphors—like the pain of memories lingering as sensations in the body and a future that was never opened—reflect the protagonist’s earnest emotions and are sure to bring tears.
The song is slated to be included on their third original album, set for release in November 2025, which will also feature Aozora, the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly on nights when you want to immerse yourself in unforgettable memories of love.
rootKing Gnu
This song paints a hope for life nestled within a quiet melody.
Created by King Gnu as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “The Diamond Sleeping in the Sea” in October 2024, it’s crafted as a mid-tempo ballad characterized by the graceful tones of piano and strings.
While understated, it powerfully portrays the act of living, likening it to a plant that firmly takes root in the earth, and it deeply questions what it means to live true to oneself for someone else.
It also gently sings of accepting past pain and memories, yet still choosing to face forward with resolve and hope.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re thinking of someone dear or when you’re unsure of your own self-worth.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
This song is marked by a poignant melody that evokes the chill of winter.
Created by Official HIGE DANDism in October 2022 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “silent,” it closely aligns with the drama’s worldview.
While empathizing with the feelings of someone who has lost their words, it delicately paints unspoken emotions and warmth through subtle tones.
The work portrays the protagonist—who has lost their hearing—trying to convey their feelings to a loved one, expressed through the fragile, crystal-like beauty of snowflakes.
Its quiet, beautiful melody leaves a deep impression on listeners’ hearts, offering comfort to those facing farewells with loved ones or carrying feelings that cannot be put into words.
the depths of the heartrokudenashi
A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.
It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.
While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.
Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.
AnswerIkuta Rira
Lila Ikuta delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad that gently stays close to the anxieties and uncertainties of one’s future.
Amid a grand, dramatic arrangement, its warm melody stands out—offering the courage to take a step forward toward tomorrow while facing loneliness and pain.
It’s an encouraging song that softly nudges those who are unsure of their path.
Released in March 2021, the piece was also featured as the CM song for Tokio Marine Nichido Anshin Life’s “Disability Income Insurance,” resonating with many listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-evoking track we hope those searching for their own way, or spending days without clear answers, will hear.
Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Must-listen tearjerker classics recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
more than anyoneBE:FIRST
A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.
While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.
The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.
Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.
This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.
It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
A heartwarming ballad gently portraying people looking ahead in life with both hope and unease, framed by the motif of a letter from the future.
Aoi Teshima’s translucent voice resonates deeply alongside the beautiful arrangement of piano and strings.
First released in July 2014 on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” the song drew renewed attention in February 2016 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Someday I’ll Remember This Love, and Surely I’ll Cry.” The piece won the Best Theme Song Award at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2016.
When you find yourself pausing on the path toward your dreams, or when you want to be close to your feelings for someone important, why not listen quietly? It will surely become a tear-jerker of a song for you.