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.
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- Tear-jerking inspirational songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Masterpieces with the theme of “tears.” A roundup of moving tracks that tug at the heartstrings.
- A collection of tear-jerking songs trending on TikTok: timeless tracks that will move you to tears.
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 30s: timeless Japanese hits that touch the heart
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Must-listen tearjerker classics for Gen Z (1–10)
LeoYuuri
A song that portrays the bond with its owner from a dog’s perspective.
The delicate piano tones echo the sorrow of farewell.
Its lyrics, which look back on precious memories and everyday moments with the owner, are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced pet loss.
Included on Yuuri’s first album, “Ichi,” the track was released in January 2022 and debuted at No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Download Albums chart.
It’s a heartfelt ballad for those who have gone through a painful goodbye with someone dear, or for anyone who tends to forget gratitude in the flow of daily life.
Hated by life.mafumafu
The singer-songwriter Mafumafu, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, covered this song, and his performance at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew significant attention.
The lyrics, imbued with a profound message that questions the meaning of life, seem to speak for young people struggling with a sense of stagnation.
His emotional vocal delivery, carried by the sound of the piano, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a moving track that I hope you’ll listen to when life feels difficult or when you want to encourage someone.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a sweeping rock ballad that sends cheers to those who keep pushing forward, even as they sometimes struggle and pause.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in January 2019, the song touched many hearts as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It carries a warm message that affirms life as a whole: that both good days and bad become nourishment for who you are.
On nights when you feel down from comparing yourself to others or when loneliness creeps in, its gentle vocals will sit close to your heart.
The piece was later used again as a commercial song in an orchestral arrangement, drawing renewed attention.
Along with its grand sound, it’s sure to give you the courage to face tomorrow.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
Known as a tear-jerking masterpiece, Masaki Suda’s song is a gem born from his collaboration with Kenshi Yonezu.
The lyrics, which express both the loneliness and the beauty of life, carry a message that resonates with many people.
Used as the theme song for a drama starring Tori Matsuzaka, the track was released in May 2019 and topped the daily charts on platforms like iTunes.
Suda’s transparent, pure vocals blend beautifully with Yonezu’s delicate composition, making it a highly recommended track for Gen Z listeners as well.
It’s a warm, tender ballad you’ll want to hear when you need to cleanse your heart or reflect on your relationships with loved ones.
horizonback number
With their poignant messages and vocals that vividly evoke scenes, back number’s songs have garnered support and empathy from younger generations.
Written as a message to high school students affected by the spread of COVID-19, this piece features lyrics that tenderly accompany the precious time that was unfairly taken away, stirring the heart.
For those in their teens especially, the attachment to what they had built throughout their youth will likely strike close to home.
Its fragile yet gentle melody soothes battered hearts—an exquisite masterpiece.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
A digital-only single by singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada, who, despite debuting in her teens and leaving a powerful mark on the J-pop scene, took a hiatus for “human activities” and continues to command an overwhelming presence today.
Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” it was released in April 2016.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad centered on piano and strings, featuring a simple yet powerfully expressive arrangement.
The lyrics, based on the idea of presenting a bouquet as a way to convey feelings for a loved one, depict complex emotions that are hard to express in words and are sure to resonate deeply with many listeners.
revolutionMOROHA
With a burning passion for self-transformation, this track highlights MOROHA’s unique musicality.
The distinctive world created by the fusion of acoustic guitar and rap resonates deeply with listeners.
Included on the album “MOROHA II,” it was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama “From Miyamoto to You,” earning widespread empathy.
It is also featured on the best-of album “MOROHA BEST: Ten Years Re-Recorded,” released in June 2018.
The lyrics, which candidly express everyday frustrations and a thirst for change, prompt us to reflect on how we face ourselves.
It’s a song I especially want Gen Z to hear—one that awakens the feelings deep within.