[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] Tearjerker Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z (11–20)
leap day personRADWIMPS
The theme song for the film “In This Corner of the Limited Time” (Yomei 10-nen), which sings of an irreplaceable love story woven within a finite span of time.
Created by RADWIMPS in March 2022, the piece was composed by Yojiro Noda after carefully reading the script and stepping into the characters’ perspectives.
The lyrics, which delicately depict the miracle of meeting someone so dear you’d wish to share your very life with them, as well as the pain of those left behind, are deeply moving.
Beginning with a piano melody and gradually expanding into a full orchestra, the arrangement superbly conveys the swell of emotion.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to savor the time with someone precious, or to feel the profound value of the person you love.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon
The major debut single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter who captivates young people with her unique perspective and emotional expression.
Chosen as the opening theme for a TV drama, this work makes a powerful impact with lyrics that sharply capture the darkness of modern society through the theme of suicide.
Released in November 2016, the song carries a message that resonates deeply with listeners living in the age of social media.
The lyrics, depicting emotions swaying between life and death, have struck a chord with many and offer a glimpse into the essence of Aimyon as an artist.
maybeYOASOBI
Released in 2020, this song portrays the raw emotions of a couple facing a breakup.
It captures the cool composure of saying goodbye without tears, alongside the lingering attachment buried deep inside.
The protagonist’s attempt to tell themselves “it can’t be helped” without finding anyone to blame resonates with aching poignancy.
Set to a mid-tempo melody, the lyrics trace the complex feelings of trying to accept the separation while still wishing they could go back to the past.
Included on the album THE BOOK, it reached No.
15 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s a song that gently accompanies those struggling in a relationship or those who have experienced parting with someone dear.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
An overwhelming sense of loss for a cherished person you can no longer meet.
Gently accompanying that aching heart are the works of Totasan, an artist drawing attention as a bedroom creator.
Released in February 2023 and included on the first album “oidaki,” this piece sparked a major reaction, even reaching No.
1 on the USEN HIT SNS rankings.
Its poetic worldview—overlaying delicate, shifting emotions onto natural scenes like the sky and wind—leaves a strong impression.
While wishing for the other person’s happiness, the fierce longing to meet them once more creates a painful inner conflict that tightens your chest just by listening.
Even amid sorrow, the resolve to weave hope for tomorrow is sure to move your heart.
SAD SONG feat. No No Girls FINALISTSchanmina
A special song by Chanmina and the “No No Girls” finalists has moved many to tears with its stirring performance.
The lyrics—filled with the bittersweetness behind happiness and a strong resolve to believe in the future—captivate listeners and make the piece deeply compelling.
Said to be based on Chanmina’s real experiences, it conveys the loneliness of chasing a dream and the importance of bonds with fellow travelers.
Released in January 2025, the song’s performance on THE FIRST TAKE in May of the same year tied in with the audition project and generated great emotion, topping YouTube for 10 days.
If you’re working hard at something, this song is sure to gently nudge you forward.
Don’t miss the chance to experience it.
Because you are hereUru
With her transparent, crystalline voice that resonates deeply in the heart, Uru released this song as a digital-only single in February 2020.
Written specifically as the theme song for the drama “Theseus no Fune” starring Ryoma Takeuchi, it conveys feelings of love and gratitude toward someone precious.
The lyrics express how having that person by your side makes you stronger and gentler—words that naturally bring tears to your eyes when you think of family, a partner, or someone dear.
Mirroring the drama’s story, it’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to reflect on the time and bonds you share with those who matter most.
[Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z (21–30)
Almond ChocolateILLIT
ILLIT delivers a fresh, new kind of love song that captures the sweetness and subtle bitterness of young love.
Centered on the delicate distance with your crush and unwavering devotion, the song skillfully expresses the wistful feelings that everyone has experienced at least once.
Its lyrics weave cuteness and melancholy in a perfect balance, harmonizing beautifully with a light, poppy melody.
Written as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall for Looks Alone,” set to be released in March 2025, it was created by the duo of Nakajin from SEKAI NO OWARI and BTS producer Pdogg.
If you sing it at karaoke, we recommend gazing into your partner’s eyes and pouring your feelings into the performance.
By conveying gentle vocals filled with sweet affection, it’s sure to become a lovely track that resonates in listeners’ hearts.