[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)
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.
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.