[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)
periodIkuta Erika
Erika Ikuta captivates many with her overwhelming expressive power.
Released in September 2025, this work is a ballad that portrays the resolve to bring a long-standing romance to an end by one’s own choice, and the bittersweet determination to move forward.
The struggle over whether to continue or to let go is depicted with striking realism, and it really hits home.
If you’ve ever made a major decision in love, you’ll likely feel a deep empathy for that pain.
With delicate piano lines and breath-like vocals that gently nestle close to your heart, it’s a sentimental track.
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.
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.
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.
I stillmilet
A gem-like love ballad by milet, known for a voice where aching tenderness and strength intertwine, beautifully capturing the emotions of the character she portrays in the film.
Its richly emotive melody weaves together a yearning for eternal love and the anxieties that come with it, while lyrics that speak of unwavering, straightforward affection resonate deeply.
Written as the theme song for the film “The Girlfriend I Don’t Know,” slated for release in February 2025, the track will debut on streaming platforms in January 2025, followed by a CD single release in February.
It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on your morning commute, on your way home at night, or while thinking of someone special.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
A heartwarming ballad gently portraying people looking ahead in life with both hope and unease, framed by the motif of a letter from the future.
Aoi Teshima’s translucent voice resonates deeply alongside the beautiful arrangement of piano and strings.
First released in July 2014 on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” the song drew renewed attention in February 2016 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Someday I’ll Remember This Love, and Surely I’ll Cry.” The piece won the Best Theme Song Award at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2016.
When you find yourself pausing on the path toward your dreams, or when you want to be close to your feelings for someone important, why not listen quietly? It will surely become a tear-jerker of a song for you.
single bedSha ran Q
This is a gem of a ballad that strikingly portrays the poignant feelings of a heartbroken man.
Sharam Q released the song in October 1994. It was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV anime “D·N·A²: A Girl Who Arrived?” and went on to become a million-selling hit.
It is included on the album “Rettōkan” (Inferiority Complex) and was later featured as an insert song in the 2017 film “Memoirs of a Murderer.” Furniture steeped in memories of a former lover is depicted as a symbol that highlights the protagonist’s loneliness, powerfully expressing a shift in values toward love.
This moving masterpiece is perfect for a calm night drive or for quiet moments when you think of someone dear.