Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z

I’m your hero.After the Rain

[MV] I'm Your Hero / After the Rain (Soraru × Mafumafu)

Unlike the heroes on TV, this song is filled with down-to-earth charm.

Its warm lyrics, which stand by those who’ve been doing their best on their own and cry with them in sad times, resonate deeply.

After the Rain’s soothing harmonies further enhance the song’s lyrical world.

This track is the title song of the album “I’m Your Hero,” released in October 2023, and serves as the crowning piece of their third full-length album—their first in five years.

The delicate vocals and powerful melodies woven by Soraru and Mafumafu remind us of the beauty of having someone who can be there for your heart through music.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on sleepless nights or when you feel like you might break.

for a whilerikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – For a While (Official Music Video)

A lyrical ballad that gently paints a tender nostalgia for the past through a legend of divorce.

It blends soulful elements strongly influenced by Marvin Gaye with a nostalgic melody reminiscent of 1980s New Music in perfect harmony.

Released in January 2025, this piece is a labor of love that Ayumu Matsuda and Jun Beppu nurtured over three years, and it has been selected as the theme song for the drama “Taigan no Kaji — This Is My Way of Life!.” A warm track that stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, it quietly encourages the courage to face forward and keep walking.

Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke

Rainy Amusement Park

This is a ballad that poignantly depicts memories of a couple’s date at an amusement park and their bittersweet parting.

It weaves together contrasting scenes: a past moment of riding a carousel in the rain, and the present, where the narrator catches sight of a former lover with shorter hair, looking happy.

The lingering attachment the protagonist still feels, along with a quiet resolve to face forward and live on, gently presses on the heart.

A warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano highlights the story-rich lyrics.

Included on Sasuke’s album “Smile,” the piece was released in October 2004, reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts, sold over 450,000 copies, and was certified Platinum.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day, especially when you’re trying to heal the pain of a broken heart.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

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.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Wintersumika

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

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.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

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.

Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Let’s Become a Family (Full ver.)

A love song woven by Masaharu Fukuyama, a gem of a ballad overflowing with warm affection.

Its gentle melody tenderly embraces the precious feelings you share, harmonizing beautifully with heartwarming lyrics that focus on marriage and family bonds.

It carefully portrays gratitude toward one’s partner and hope for a future walked together, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2011, the song was featured in the commercial for Recruit’s wedding magazine Zexy and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has continued to be cherished at many weddings ever since.

This is a song that stays close to the heart—one to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you’re about to take a new step in life.