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)
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
A signature ballad by RADWIMPS that gently soothes hidden feelings and a lonely soul.
Its poetic lyrics, which portray delicate emotions, and its emotional melody sink deeply into the heart.
You can’t help but empathize with the protagonist—burdened by self-denial and fear of others—who encounters a pure presence, is cleansed at heart, and discovers a new self.
Released in July 2006, it reached No.
13 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It was later included on the album “RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~,” significantly boosting the band’s popularity.
When you feel lost in life or have experienced a farewell with someone precious, this song is sure to be a source of support.
Guaranteed to make you cry! Must-listen tearjerker masterpieces for Gen Z (51–60)
I…atarayo
A heart-stirring song by Atarayo that weaves a tale of bittersweet love and self-transformation.
The encounter with a beloved person changes the way the world looks, vividly portraying the rebirth into a new self.
It delicately expresses the anxiety of nearly losing one’s sense of self, alongside the beauty of a world expanded by loving someone, inviting empathy for the subtle emotions that come with embracing change.
Released in January 2024, this work was selected as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime The Dangers in My Heart.
Its lyrics, which stand with the wavering feelings of adolescence, will deeply resonate with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
realmiwa
This is a song whose warm, gentle guitar tones and clear vocals resonate deeply with the heart.
It carefully depicts the small happinesses of everyday life and conveys the preciousness of moments spent with someone important.
With a rich melody, it expresses the warmth of being connected to someone rather than being alone, and the importance of mutually supportive relationships.
Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Momentary Lily.” It is also included on miwa’s best-of album “miwa,” commemorating the 15th anniversary of her debut.
It’s recommended for times when you want to cherish moments with someone special, or when you want to listen while thinking of someone dear.
Wrapped in the gentle singing voice, your heart, too, will be enveloped in warmth.
Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya
Kawasaki Takaya’s pure, affectionate vocals seem to speak for the feeling of being in love.
The lyrics, woven with straightforward words, convey a deep yet gentle devotion to a loved one.
Even without money or status, the song candidly expresses the desire to protect someone important.
Released in July 2018 as a track on the album “I believe in you,” it was later selected as the theme song for a LINE drama in December 2020, drawing even more attention.
Don’t miss the beautiful, repeating vibrato in the chorus and the warm tone of the acoustic guitar.
It’s a gem of a love song to listen to when you realize your feelings for someone special—or when you want to confess them.
Prayer FlowerHirai Dai
A gem of a ballad that gently sings of the sorrow of losing a loved one and the gratitude that remains, carried by a tender, warm melody.
Dai Hirai’s ukulele tones and soft vocals gently embrace his boundless love for his late grandmother.
Released as a single in October 2011 and included on the album “ALOHA,” this song is imbued with an eternal sentiment for the person who taught him the strength to live and the meaning of love.
In March 2021, it was featured on the love-song compilation CD series “It Was Surely Love,” winning the hearts of a new generation.
A heartwarming piece that deeply resonates with those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who wish to express their gratitude.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.
Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.
It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.
It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.
DestinyAee! group
A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a straightforward devotion, even while harboring clumsy feelings of love.
The Aぇ! group’s intricately woven vocals and deeply emotive melody brilliantly color a bittersweet love story.
Set for inclusion on the album “Chameleon,” slated for release in June 2025, this track has been selected as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Musashino Rondo,” starring group member Yoshinori Masakado.
The music video’s world, in which the message of love is conveyed with strength even under the pouring rain, superbly captures a heart buffeted by fate.
It’s a song that stands by everyone troubled by love and gives them courage.