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 Masterpieces Sung by Male Artists Recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
180°yamazaru
A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.
Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.
Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.
The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.
It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.
Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai
A gem of a love song by Dai Hirai that paints uncontrollable infatuation and aching longing with a sound that skillfully weaves in elements of country music.
It sings of a man’s pure feelings for a free-spirited, cowgirl-like woman, set to a refreshing beach sound.
Released in April 2025, the piece conveys the bittersweetness of love through a gentle narrative tone and a pleasant melodic line.
Created as the first installment of a series leading up to “HIRAIDAI presents THE BEACH TRIP 2025,” which kicks off in May, it’s a perfect fit for open-air moments like seaside drives or BBQs under clear blue skies.
A soul-stirring ballad that deeply resonates with those nursing heartbreak or struggling with single-minded love.
First loveHata Motohiro
A ballad by Motohiro Hata, woven with sincere feelings carried by his clear, translucent voice.
He tenderly portrays memories of a love that ended against the flow of fate, likening them to a blue apple and tangled threads.
Released in January 2013 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Space Brothers” and later included on the album “Signed POP,” this work is a characteristically minor-key song from Hata.
Coupled with Seiji Kameda’s delicate arrangement, it strikingly depicts the pain and regret of a love that reached its farewell while still immature.
Hata’s relatable vocals make it a song that recalls the bitter experiences of a first love.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.
It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.
Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.
It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.
sonetACIDMAN
Within its grand melody, this song holds both the resolve to live boldly and a gentle tenderness.
Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it portrays life’s joys and sorrows through the moon and stars shining in the night sky, and the falling rain and snow.
Along the journey of chasing dreams, it leaves a deep afterglow that quietly speaks to the importance of living true to oneself.
The track was pre-released by ACIDMAN in December 2024, with the CD following in January 2025.
Chosen as the ending theme for the final episode of WOWOW’s drama “Renzoku Drama W Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Contest Arc,” it is also complemented by striking footage shot on location in Hokkaido by film director Shigeaki Kubo.
When you stand at a crossroads in life or face an important decision, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.
Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I recommend to Gen Z (41–50)
An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro
In harmony with the world of the film “Love Letters on Our 35th Year,” Motohiro Hata delicately captures warm, nuanced emotions.
This work weaves together the love of a long-married couple and feelings that deepen day by day with a gentle yet powerful melody, beautifully expressing a form of love that grows more vibrant with time.
It will be released and made available for streaming between February and March 2025.
The limited first edition includes jacket cards featuring visuals from the film, handwritten lyric cards, and a Blu-ray containing live performance footage.
It is a song that will resonate deeply with those who hold feelings for someone dear or who struggle to put their emotions into words.
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi
As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.
Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.
Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.
Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.