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?
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- 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)
Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu
A bittersweet yet beautiful melody that seeps into the heart, this ballad delicately portrays the protagonist’s sorrow and lingering feelings as they face a breakup with a lover.
The emotionally rich vocals woven by Southern All Stars, together with a simple instrumental arrangement, convey the pain of heartbreak with striking clarity.
Released in July 1992, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta.” It became Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single and won the Excellence Award at the 34th Japan Record Awards.
Whether you’re seeking to heal the sadness of parting or reminiscing about past love, this song gently stays by your side—and continues to be a source of comfort for many to this day.
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.
DOLLSJanne Da Arc
A song by Janne Da Arc whose poignant sorrow hidden within its intensity strikes the heart.
Released in May 2004, this work drew attention as the first of three consecutive weekly singles commemorating the fifth anniversary of their major-label debut.
It reached No.
7 on the Oricon charts and earned Gold certification.
The lyrics, depicting a lost love, resonate deeply with listeners.
Many can likely relate to the painful situation in which both the one who initiates the breakup and the one who is left are hurting.
It’s a song that stands by those bearing the pain of heartbreak and anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
We’ll meet again…KIX-S
KIX-S’s debut single is distinguished by lyrics that portray a bittersweet love and a melody that resonates with the heart.
The words, which express feelings for a lover far away, struck a chord with many listeners.
Released in July 1992, the song was chosen as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto” and became a major hit, peaking at No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a track that stays close to the hearts of those who’ve experienced heartbreak or parting, giving them the courage to look ahead.
A heartwarming ballad perfect for nights when you want to relive memories or reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
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.