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 recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
KaraBank Band
A soulful work by Bank Band that begins with the quiet resonance of a piano and gradually unfolds into a grand scale.
Its lyrics, interwoven with reflections on the depths of life and sharp insights into society, sound a warning to the modern world.
Released in January 2025, the piece beautifully blends Kazutoshi Sakurai’s emotionally rich vocals with Takeshi Kobayashi’s delicate arrangements.
Aina The End, Mone Kamishiraishi, and Salyu join on chorus, adding a vibrant flourish to the track.
Created for the ap bank fes ’25 performance, proceeds from this work are dedicated to supporting recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it a meaningful contribution to society through music.
It is a jewel-like ballad that sinks deeply into the heart when your emotions are stirred, when you want to look within, and when you wish to connect with someone.
Heart Rainindigo la End
A heart-stirring ballad that quietly observes a bittersweet parting in love.
Its melody delicately captures subtle emotions, while the graceful sound of acoustic guitar and electric piano resonates deep within.
Released by indigo la End in February 2016, the song was featured as the TV commercial theme for the smartphone game ‘Shoumetsu Toshi’ and is also included on their second major-label album, ‘Aiiro Music.’ Told from the perspective of a woman reflecting on the end of a relationship, the lyrics leave a strong impression as they carefully express emotional shifts through the metaphor of rain.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to quietly accept the pain of heartbreak and move forward.
180°yamazaru
A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.
Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.
Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.
The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.
It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.
Welcome back.Tani Yuuki
A gem of a song filled with Tani Yuuki’s heartfelt emotions, gently singing of feelings for a loved one far away.
Even when separated by distance, two people bound by a red thread of fate will surely remain connected—such a wish imbues these story-rich lyrics.
It expresses a bittersweet love for a counterpart, like the sun and the moon, through delicate vocals and melody.
Released in November 2022 and included on the album “Memories,” this piece gently accompanies those experiencing parting from someone dear or yearning for a reunion.
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.
threadNakajima Miyuki
A beautiful ballad that likens human connections to warp and weft threads soaks into the heart through Miyuki Nakajima’s gentle yet powerful voice.
The lyrics, depicting fateful encounters and the warm fabric of life woven from them, evoke deep empathy—a true masterpiece.
Included on the album EAST ASIA, this song has continued to resonate with many people since its release in October 1992.
In 1998, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints), earning even broader acclaim.
It’s a track that soothes the heart at life’s turning points—meetings and farewells, fresh starts, and more.
Celebrated by many, it’s perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and any occasion that honors bonds with loved ones.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.
It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.
Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.
It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.