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.
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- 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
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- [Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming songs I especially want men to hear
- Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
- A Must-Read for Men: Sing at Karaoke! A Showcase of Moving Masterpiece Ballads
- 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 Recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Wintersumika
A song that beautifully portrays the changing of the four seasons, which gained attention as the theme song for the animated film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.
Released by sumika in August 2018, this slow ballad features a warmly resonant acoustic guitar, and the delicate emotions depicted across spring, summer, autumn, and winter deeply move the listener.
Along with the shifting seasons, memories with a loved one and farewells are depicted, and the hope that leads into the next spring is expressed through gentle vocals and melody.
Its beautiful, heartrending lyrics—echoing the film’s story—are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
This is a signature song by the folk duo Yuzu, known for its moving melodies that linger in the heart and lyrics that paint the radiant moments of life.
It’s a warm piece that gently embraces everyone’s dreams and the joy and hardship felt along the journey.
Released in July 2004, it was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.
It is deeply etched in many people’s memories alongside the moment when Japan’s men’s gymnastics team won gold for the first time in 28 years in Athens.
We recommend this work as an encouraging anthem for those who are putting in the effort or about to take a new step, filled with kindness like words of support.
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.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A heartwarming message song that sings the value of those who support others and work hard behind the scenes.
Rather than glamorizing the people who shine on center stage, it brilliantly captures the spirit of those who keep supporting from the shadows.
Its lively sound—melding pop and R&B—stands out alongside a melodic progression.
Written by the three members of Beverly Goodman for broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in December 2024, the song’s powerful energy and warm vocals resonate with everyone facing life head-on.
It’s a track meant for those who worry about going unnoticed at school or work, and for those who keep dedicating themselves to someone else.
Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu
Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.
The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.
Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.
The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.
Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I recommend to Gen Z (41–50)
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.
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.