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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- Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
- [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 recommend to Gen Z (41–50)
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.
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.
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.
for a whilerikon densetsu
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.