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.

Playlist

Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	It’s nothing.RADWIMPS		The ending theme of 'Your Name.' resonates with the heart.
2	LeoYuuri		The emotional bond between a dog and its owner depicted in Yuuri’s song
3	A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY		A powerful anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams
4	horizonback number		A message to high school students, giving courage to many people
5	As a personSUPER BEAVER		A famous song by SUPER BEAVER that sings about humanity
6	revolutionMOROHA		Inspiring music that encourages self-transformation, resonating with the heart
7	Hated by life.mafumafu		Mafumafu’s hymn to life resonates with the heart
8	LemonYonezu Kenshi		A moving, heart-stirring theme song that expresses farewell and sorrow.
9	chameleonKing Gnu		King Gnu’s moving theme song depicts human change.
10	The impact of a single dropUVERworld		UVERworld Blue Exorcist theme song, moving forward
11	apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism		A soul-stirring masterpiece that portrays the transience of life and the pain of parting
12	Nightmare of the Galactic CitySEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI’s soul-stirring masterpiece
13	Don’t die!kocchi no kento		Powerful music that conveys the courage and hope to live
14	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		A sensitively crafted song that finds value in everyday life
15	Live.NEWS		An anthem of encouragement that sings of the courage to live and the bonds of comrades
16	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving theme song that sings of love and hope
17	HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE		The deep emotions and expressions concealed within film theme songs
18	I miss youRADWIMPS		A ballad singing the feelings of the 10th anniversary of the earthquake, capturing the sorrow of not being able to meet
19	leap day personRADWIMPS		A moving song that celebrates the sanctity of life and the miracle of love
20	I love youback number		A heartfelt song that expresses feelings for a cherished person
21	paintingŌmori Motoki		A hauntingly mystical song that stirs Motoki Omori’s heart
22	catDISH//		Aimyon “Hadaka no Kokoro” — moving and heartrending
23	evening primroseNovelbright		A moving song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and bittersweet feelings
24	SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism		The frustration of words that try to convey love
25	rendezvousshaitoopu		A heartrending song portraying the pain of heartbreak, 300 million streams
26	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Singing of the emptiness and fulfillment of love, and the acceptance of change
27	Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song depicting everyday despair and small salvations
28	more than anyoneBE:FIRST		A ballad depicting the struggles of a man tormented at heart by BE:FIRST
29	KaraBank Band		Socially-contributive musical works by Bank Band
30	somedaySaucy Dog		A love song that portrays heartbreak and memories
31	DestinyAee! group		Aぇ! group’s bittersweet love song
32	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
33	Heart Rainindigo la End		A ballad that quietly sings about a romantic breakup
34	I want to see you.yuzu		Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father
35	Hide-and-seekYuuri		A ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in partner to a game of hide-and-seek
36	180°yamazaru		A love ballad of a mountain monkey. Depicting the struggles of romance.
37	Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai		Hirai Dai's country love song
38	First loveHata Motohiro		A ballad by Motohiro Hata. It sings of bittersweet memories of love.
39	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s love ballad, feelings passing each other by
40	sonetACIDMAN		A song that portrays Hokkaido’s nature and embodies a resolve to live
41	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s new song that gently expresses the love between a married couple
42	Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi		Eiichi Ohtaki’s first love song in 12 years. A major hit with 970,000 copies sold.
43	I’m your hero.After the Rain		The soothing harmonies of After the Rain
44	for a whilerikon densetsu		A warm ballad that comforts the pain of a broken heart
45	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
46	Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu		An inspiring song by Macaroni Empitsu
47	Spring, Summer, Autumn, Wintersumika		A poignant song depicting the changing of the four seasons and parting
48	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman		A heartwarming song that celebrates the value of those who support from behind the scenes
49	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		A famous song themed around Masaharu Fukuyama’s marriage
50	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Yuzu’s signature song, a cheer anthem that portrays aspirations for dreams
51	AzaleaYonezu Kenshi		A ballad depicting lost love and hope for the life that follows