[Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
When you think of songs that make you cry, many people probably imagine breakup songs.
There’s no doubt that love is one of the most relatable parts of life, but there are plenty of other moments that move our hearts, too.
In J-pop, each generation has its own collection of tear-jerking tracks.
So this time, we’re introducing cry-worthy songs recommended for Gen Z, limited to female artists.
We’ve picked a wide range—from songs that sing of great love beyond romance to tracks that portray farewells—so be sure to check them out!
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Women Artists Only] Breakup Songs Recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Recommended tear-jerking songs for women: classic and popular J‑pop tracks
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Recommended tearjerker songs for women
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Karaoke songs sung by female artists recommended for Gen Z
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 30s: timeless Japanese hits that touch the heart
- Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Songs you’d want women to sing at karaoke! Karaoke picks recommended for Gen Z
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
[Women Artists Only] Tearjerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z (1–10)
We won’t fightAKB48
AKB48’s 40th major single is a track imbued with a powerful message wishing for peace.
The lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto express the importance of avoiding conflict and understanding one another.
The music video, notable for its intense 12-minute action sequence, also drew attention for being directed by the filmmaker behind the Rurouni Kenshin movie series.
Blending a pop melody with strong lyrics, this work is a moving masterpiece that resonates with Gen Z—and one I highly recommend if you’re looking for a song that brings tears to your eyes.
AldebaranAI
A song by the singer-songwriter AI, known for her powerful vocals infused with gospel and R&B elements.
Released as a digital single in November 2021 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Come Come Everybody, the track was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama.
Centered on prayers and wishes for family and loved ones, the lyrics can also be interpreted as a message from a mother to her daughter, resonating deeply with many listeners.
It feels like a song that offers comfort to people living in uncertain times.
With AI’s rich expressiveness and emotionally charged voice, it’s a track that people of all generations will want to sing at karaoke.
Thank youikimonogakari
This is the 18th single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, transparent singing voice.
The song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama “Gegege no Nyobo,” and it’s also known as one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature tracks.
Released in May 2010, its straightforward lyrics expressing gratitude resonated with many people, and it has often been used at graduation ceremonies and as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Championship.
Because the chorus begins with a melody that steps up the scale one note at a time, it’s hard to go off pitch and is easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a song that can move listeners of any generation—why not add it to your karaoke repertoire?
[Women Artists Only] Tearjerker Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z (11–20)
A midsummer passing showerUtada Hikaru
A digital-only single that marks Hikaru Utada’s fifth such release, imbued with deep love for her late mother and a profound sense of loss.
It was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s NEWS ZERO and was released in April 2016.
The lyrics, which depict a sudden farewell and the irreplaceable sorrow that follows, resonate powerfully with listeners.
Classified as J-pop, the song reached No.
5 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for the week.
It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful track that showcases the depth of Utada’s expressive power—one you’ll want to savor word by word when singing it at karaoke.
while taking a breatherYamamoto Aya
A single by Sayaka Yamamoto that gently sings about the importance of human connection.
Released in October 2016 as a corporate CM song for JT, it was broadcast in a limited capacity within the Nippon TV talk show “Another Sky.” The piece also drew attention for a collaboration with world-renowned pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii and was produced as a short film directed by Atsuhiro Yamashita.
Its soft vocals and melody stay close to the heart, reminding us to appreciate the small moments of everyday life.
It’s a soothing number that gently embraces those who feel worn out by busy days or are striving on their own.
inside youmilet
This song is characterized by husky vocals that convey deep emotion and a sound that fuses electronica with rock.
The lyrics, which depict the sorrow of parting and lingering feelings for a former lover, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in March 2019, it gained major attention as the opening theme for the TV drama “Scandal Specialist Lawyer QUEEN.” It also drew notice for being produced by Toru from ONE OK ROCK.
It’s a heart‑stirring number for anyone feeling the pain of heartbreak or who has experienced a farewell with someone important.
I want to see you.nowisee
A song that drew attention for its music video made using 10,000 senko hanabi (Japanese sparkler fireworks).
Showcasing nowisee’s innovative musicality, the piece unfolds a unique worldview while incorporating elements of electronica and post-rock.
Included on the album “Palm War,” released in August 2016, this emotional number sings of a yearning for lost love.
It portrays the feelings of someone burdened with disappointment and despair who still longs to reunite with a loved one across time and space—resonating deeply with listeners.
Created as part of nowisee’s cross-media project, the work is linked not only to music but also to video and fiction, letting you appreciate its appeal as a piece of art.