[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] 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.
I saw you.≠ME
This is a summer song released in August 2025 by ≠ME, an idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.
The track portrays the bittersweet emotions of seeing the person you like together with someone else.
It reflects Sashihara’s unique sentiment of “not wanting ≠ME to have their love fulfilled,” intertwining the frustration of unrequited love with the atmosphere of late summer to create a heart-wrenching feel.
It’s a must-listen for anyone in the throes of a one-sided crush or those who want to reminisce about the delicate memories of their youth.
Always togetherMoena
A ballad marked by a tender, embracing singing voice and a heartwarming melodic line.
Feelings for someone special and the small joys found in everyday life are woven into the carefully crafted lyrics.
The arrangement by MANABOON and Sonomi Tameoka unfolds from a gentle piano melody into a grand orchestral sound, creating a moving sonic world.
Moena will release this debut song in February 2025, showcasing exquisitely nuanced emotion with her clear, translucent voice.
This piece sings of the preciousness of time spent with loved ones and is perfect for couples to sing at karaoke.
Its calm atmosphere and resonant lyrics can also inspire couples to share their feelings with each other.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
A ballad infused with ReoNa’s deep emotions, where a warm melody wrapped in kindness is accompanied by a soul-stirring voice.
It delicately portrays the hardships of living, the small setbacks in everyday life, and the subtle feelings of trying to overcome them.
Included as a track on the single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, it has soothed the hearts of many listeners.
This piece, in which the piano’s melody and ReoNa’s vocals blend beautifully, is a gem written and composed by Tota Kasamura.
Her voice, which gently stays close to a weary heart, is perfect for times when you want to be encouraged—or when you want to encourage someone else.
Sentimental KissShio Reira
A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.
The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.
Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.
Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.
tomorrowNoda Megumi
A ballad that portrays a bittersweet state of mind with a voice where gentleness and strength coexist.
The delicate conflict of trying to move forward to protect what’s precious is expressed with nuance.
Woven with a tender, translucent vocal, the melody sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.
Released by Emi Noda in October 2024 as the theme song for the drama “My Treasure,” the track features a sound marked by evocative piano and strings.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to those who, despite their doubts, choose to face forward and live on.
Perfect for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone important through song, or when you need to rouse your own spirits.
ElegyBONNIE PINK
A gem of a ballad where a quiet melody and deep prayer resonate.
With BONNIE PINK’s gentle vocals and a softly moving melody, this piece was newly written as the ending theme for the 2022 hibakusha documentary films “for you: Hito no Tame ni” and “Ikiru FROM NAGASAKI.” Featured on the album “Infinity,” it carries a powerful message that, while reflecting on life’s doubts and inner conflicts, weaves a thread of hope for the future.
Crafted by Ovall’s bassist-producer, its refined sound—where piano and guitar blend beautifully—is another highlight.
Perfect for calm twilight hours or quiet moments spent deepening thoughts of someone dear, this song will gently bring a tender light to your heart.