Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
In every era, there are sentimental songs that tug at our heartstrings.
Songs about the pain of heartbreak, of course, and those that depict an eternal farewell with someone dear—just picturing those scenes can bring you to tears.
And it’s not only sad songs; there are also countless tracks that express gratitude.
So this time, we’re introducing tear-jerker songs born in the Heisei era.
Why not give them a listen when you want to have a good cry?
I can’t stop crying at the sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs (1–10)
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number
A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.
The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.
Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
A heart-wrenching set of lyrics and a piano melody that resonates deeply—this is the 10th single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka.
Chosen as the image song for the TV drama “Boys Over Flowers,” the track features a dreamy arrangement with Japanese-inspired elements.
The lyrics, which look back on a lost love and portray someone moving forward while holding past memories close, have struck a chord with many listeners.
Released in September 2005, the song reached No.
1 on the weekly Oricon chart.
It’s a moving number that offers comfort to those who have experienced parting with someone dear.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
A digital-only single by Hikaru Utada featuring a strikingly transparent arrangement centered on piano and strings.
Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” the track is also included on the album “Fantôme,” released in September 2016.
The beautiful metaphor of entrusting inexpressible feelings to a bouquet is deeply moving.
With lyrics that are simple yet full of profound emotion and Utada’s gently resonant vocals, the song achieves exquisite harmony.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to express gratitude to someone special or to quietly calm your heart.
I want to see you.sawada chikako
This song, themed around a heartrending farewell, is a memorable number featuring Chikaco Sawada’s soul-stirring vocals.
Released as a single from the 1990 album “I MISS YOU,” it was chosen as the ending theme for the TV Asahi network’s wide show “Tonight,” generating significant buzz.
It became a million-seller and won the Grand Prix at the 24th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, and is widely known as one of Chikaco Sawada’s signature songs.
It is a moving piece that offers solace to those experiencing the pain of heartbreak or the sorrow of losing someone dear.
Maplesupittsu
It’s one of Spitz’s signature ballads and an absolutely indispensable song when introducing bittersweet tracks.
The song was originally included on the March 1998 album “Fake Fur,” and was later released as a single.
It has been used as an insert song across eras, in dramas like “Over Time” and “silent,” so I think many people have heard it.
The lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to keep moving forward while holding tight to memories of a beloved person one can no longer meet, and it really squeezes your heart.
Masamune Kusano’s soft, clear vocals and the band’s warm performance seem to gently permeate a sorrowful heart, while at the same time accentuating the loneliness embedded in the lyrics.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.
Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.
Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.
Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.
DEPARTURESglobe
A love song that defined the ’90s, where a heart-stirringly beautiful melody and gentle vocals resonate deep in your chest.
Through the faint hopes and anxieties born from sharing the same days, and the eventual parting and new beginnings, this single—released in February 1996—lovingly captures the memories the two protagonists walked together.
Its familiar dance tune and bittersweet romantic feelings lead you into a breathtakingly dramatic progression.
Featured in JR East’s ski campaign “JR ski ski,” it was etched into many people’s hearts alongside the striking visuals of Yutaka Takenouchi and Makiko Esumi.
An eternal classic from globe, dedicated to everyone setting out on a new path.