[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)
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.
Kasane AiSoala
A heart-stirring ballad by Soala that paints the ache of lost love in beautifully poignant words.
Wrapped in a clear, gentle voice, it tenderly holds the regret for a love that might have lasted if only they had met differently, and the feelings that will never again converge.
Released in January 2025 and included on the EP “Bluem,” the song also drew attention for its music video featuring model Suzuka Orita and actor Yusei Ito.
With a melody that sinks into the heart, it portrays memories of happy days and the fragile story of a love that ends in parting.
When you’re struggling in a relationship or want to sing while thinking of someone dear, this song is sure to speak for your feelings.
[Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
A happy promise.riria.
With a sweet, warm voice that resonates in the heart, Lilia’s richly narrative song has drawn attention as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime My Happy Marriage.
Set to a cozy acoustic guitar arrangement, the track explores themes of deep love, the sense of security within it, and personal growth, beautifully capturing the profoundly human feelings of a close bond with a loved one and the anxiety that can accompany moments of happiness.
Released in January 2025 as an ambitious piece that opens the album Trace, it is accompanied by a music video starring Mayu Hotta and Robin Furuya, offering a visual experience as well.
With its gentle atmosphere that recalls precious moments with a partner and lyrics filled with deep affection, it’s the perfect song to sing at karaoke to wrap up a date.
So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.
A heart-stirring ballad by Riria.
that gently embraces the delicate emotions of a woman tossed around by someone’s misleading behavior.
With a tender, translucent voice, she vividly portrays a woman who struggles with helpless longing yet cannot sever her lingering feelings.
Released digitally in October 2021, the song also drew major attention with its music video that premiered the same year.
If you sing it earnestly at karaoke, it’s sure to resonate with anyone who knows the pain of heartbreak.
It’s a song that quietly stays by the side of those facing a farewell with someone dear.
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.
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.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced tear-jerking songs recommended for Gen Z, limited to female artists—how did you like them? We selected tracks from various angles, from ones whose lyrics you can relate to, to ones whose music overwhelms you. We hope you’ll find songs you can connect with.