Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
Have you ever listened to music and been moved to tears?
Not just songs performed by artists—sometimes even a track your friend sings at karaoke can bring you to tears, depending on how you’re feeling in that moment.
Especially for Japanese listeners, the lyrics that shake the heart tend to draw our attention.
So this time, we’re introducing tear-jerking songs recommended for Gen Z, focusing exclusively on male artists.
From songs about parting with someone to tracks that give you a push forward, we’ve compiled a wide range.
We hope you’ll find at least one song you can relate to.
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- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
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- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 30s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z (21–30)
KaraBank Band
A soulful work by Bank Band that begins with the quiet resonance of a piano and gradually unfolds into a grand scale.
Its lyrics, interwoven with reflections on the depths of life and sharp insights into society, sound a warning to the modern world.
Released in January 2025, the piece beautifully blends Kazutoshi Sakurai’s emotionally rich vocals with Takeshi Kobayashi’s delicate arrangements.
Aina The End, Mone Kamishiraishi, and Salyu join on chorus, adding a vibrant flourish to the track.
Created for the ap bank fes ’25 performance, proceeds from this work are dedicated to supporting recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it a meaningful contribution to society through music.
It is a jewel-like ballad that sinks deeply into the heart when your emotions are stirred, when you want to look within, and when you wish to connect with someone.
somedaySaucy Dog
A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.
Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.
Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.
Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.
Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Sung by Male Artists Recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
DestinyAee! group
A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a straightforward devotion, even while harboring clumsy feelings of love.
The Aぇ! group’s intricately woven vocals and deeply emotive melody brilliantly color a bittersweet love story.
Set for inclusion on the album “Chameleon,” slated for release in June 2025, this track has been selected as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Musashino Rondo,” starring group member Yoshinori Masakado.
The music video’s world, in which the message of love is conveyed with strength even under the pouring rain, superbly captures a heart buffeted by fate.
It’s a song that stands by everyone troubled by love and gives them courage.
You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.
The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.
Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.
Released in October 2007, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.
The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.
It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.
Heart Rainindigo la End
A heart-stirring ballad that quietly observes a bittersweet parting in love.
Its melody delicately captures subtle emotions, while the graceful sound of acoustic guitar and electric piano resonates deep within.
Released by indigo la End in February 2016, the song was featured as the TV commercial theme for the smartphone game ‘Shoumetsu Toshi’ and is also included on their second major-label album, ‘Aiiro Music.’ Told from the perspective of a woman reflecting on the end of a relationship, the lyrics leave a strong impression as they carefully express emotional shifts through the metaphor of rain.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to quietly accept the pain of heartbreak and move forward.
I want to see you.yuzu
In April 2009, Yuzu released a gem of a ballad imbued with a stirring melody and deep feelings for a loved one.
Created by Kitagawa as an expression of gratitude and love for his late father, the song touched many hearts as the theme for the NHK drama “Ghost Friends.” Carried by a warm piano tone and a beautiful string arrangement, it gives voice to a heartfelt wish for a beloved person who has been lost.
Their moving performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains fresh in memory, and the song was also included on the album “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” where it continues to be cherished.
It is a piece that gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced the parting of a dear one or who carry feelings they cannot fully express.
Hide-and-seekYuuri
A poignant ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in lover to the children’s game of hide-and-seek.
Through images of a tumbler left behind and a messy room, it vividly portrays a man’s heart steeped in emptiness and loneliness.
Yuuri’s delicate vocals, paired with a simple, guitar-centered arrangement, superbly convey the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2019, the recording was supervised by Hiro of MY FIRST STORY.
The music video, directed by Elizabeth Miyaji and featuring actress Yuu Kinoyama, further deepens the work’s world.
It is a gem of a love song that closely resonates with those who have just experienced a breakup or who still harbor longing for someone dear.