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?
- Heart-wrenching Japanese hit songs from the 2000s. Songs that make you cry.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
I can't stop crying at these sentimental lyrics! Tearjerker songs from the Heisei era (21–30)
sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo
A debut work by Yo Hitoto that delicately portrays people’s emotions in our lonely modern society.
Amid an information-saturated daily life, the protagonist searches for a place to belong, gently expressing the warmth of a heart that empathizes with others’ tears and stays by their side.
Its original sound weaves together elements of gospel, R&B, and oriental influences, beautifully harmonizing with her crystal-clear vocals.
Since its release in October 2002, the song reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The following year, it won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a song I sincerely want to share with those struggling with human connections or those who feel the urge to be there for someone.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
A gem-like ballad woven from winter’s chill and gentle warmth.
Rather than viewing past love as a failure, it tenderly celebrates those moments of affection, wrapped in the distinctive warmth of Keisuke Kuwata’s vocals.
With imagery like snow quietly piling up and a calm atmosphere shaped by strings and winds, this single was released in October 2001.
Familiar from Coca-Cola commercials and, more recently, UNIQLO’s HEATTECH ads, the song also won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who has gone through a farewell with someone dear and wants to cherish the memories.
Let me bloom flowers to adorn you.GARNET CROW
A poignant farewell song from GARNET CROW, known as a standard-bearer of neo-acoustic pop.
Featured as the ending theme of the anime Monkey Turn, this track beautifully blends Yuri Nakamura’s delicate vocals with AZUKI Nana’s poetic lyrics.
Its memorable imagery overlays the complex emotions of seeing off someone important with the act of tending to flowers.
Released in June 2004, the song has since been included on numerous best-of albums and remains beloved by fans.
It’s a heartwarming ballad perfect for moments of parting or new beginnings.
I long to see you now.MISIA
MISIA’s 23rd single paints a timeless portrait of love.
Released in November 2009 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN,” this work stands out for its perspective of viewing history as the “present.” Through the experiences of people who lived during wartime, it seems to convey a sense of the “now” in which they struggled to live with all their might.
MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess, leveraging her five-octave range, together with the orchestral arrangement, weaves a grand sonic world that powerfully stirs the listener’s heart.
It’s a song that evokes the connection between past, present, and future—one to play when your feelings overflow for someone dear.
Happy Endingback number
This is the 16th single by the three-piece rock band back number, used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The sentimental strings and delicate acoustic guitar blend together to evoke the heartbreak of lost love.
Released in November 2016, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring Erika Karata.
With a powerful synergy between its story and arrangement, it’s a dramatic number that will move you to tears.
KanadeSukima Suichi
A duo’s second single notable for its nostalgic piano timbre and sentimental melody.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough,” among many other tie-ins such as TV dramas and commercials, this track is widely known as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs.
Its lyrics—depicting the straightforward emotions felt at a parting and the unspoken scenes born from caring too much for the other person—likely resonated with many listeners.
Since its release in March 2004, it has been cherished as a Heisei-era classic ballad and a karaoke staple.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
A signature song by Kenshi Yonezu whose sentimental lyrics and wistful melody resonate deeply.
The words, which honor deep love for someone lost and the beautiful memories they left behind, truly strike a chord.
Released in 2018 and written as the theme for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural,” the track became a cultural phenomenon, with its music video surpassing one million views about 13 hours after release.
It’s a moving piece that offers comfort to those grieving the loss of someone dear.