Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks
There are times when you just can’t shake off a gloomy mood—even when you know the cause, it still feels hazy and unsettled.
If you’re a music lover, you might choose songs that make you cry and let yourself sink deep into them.
Here, we introduce plenty of “tear-jerking hidden gems”—tracks you’ll want to listen to when you feel that way.
They’re not singles, and they tend to be overshadowed by so-called masterpieces or signature songs.
Is your worry about love? Relationships? Or is it something more vague?
Find the one song that fits your mood.
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Hidden gems of tear-jerking songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
Hitorikarin
This song is sure to keep you company in your loneliness.
It’s a piece by Karin, a singer whose piano-and-vocal covers of famous songs often make waves, released in 2021.
The beautiful tones of piano and strings alone are enough to tug at your heartstrings, and when Karin’s fragile voice layers over them, it creates an even deeper world.
If you’re ready to make peace with the end of a relationship, why not listen to Hitori and have a good cry?
tear-coloredNishino Kana
It was released in 2013 as Kana Nishino’s 21st single.
Although it’s about a breakup, it’s a gentle, positive heartbreak song that wishes to cherish the time they were together as beautiful memories rather than painful ones.
Its tender melody really touches the heart.
Hidden gems among tear-jerking songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
Homeayaka
“Home,” sung by Ayaka, who is popular across a wide range of generations, is included on the album “Funtale,” released in June 2023.
Do you have someone who’s always in your heart even if they’re not by your side right now—someone whose very existence gives you strength? This song conveys feelings for that person you can’t see right away but always think about, and a wish for their happiness and for them to spend each day in good health.
Rather than being filled with sadness or heartbreak, it’s a heartwarming, tear-jerking number that overflows with gentle, calm emotions.
If only you were here so I could hold you.miwa
This song, “If You’re Here and I Can Hold You,” was the theme song for the drama “Kounodori,” starring Go Ayano, which focuses on obstetric medicine.
Centered on the theme of “love” that can be seen as directed toward both a lover and family, it’s a number that slips gently into anyone’s heart.
Even when you’re feeling down or shaken by something, having someone by your side who has this much love makes you feel that everything will be okay.
It reminds you that, even if you don’t usually notice it, you are wrapped in deep love.
Dear daysHirai Ken
Ken Hirai, whose gentle yet powerful voice is loved by people of all ages and genders, released his 34th single, “Itoshiki Hibi yo,” in 2011.
The song served as the theme for the hit drama “JIN,” which portrays a doctor who time-slips back to the late Edo period, and it powerfully enhanced the show’s narrative.
The lyrics resonate with the drama’s themes—a poignant number about thinking of someone dear that tightens the chest.
It’s a song that brings to mind long-distance loves, those who have passed away, and people you long to see but cannot.
How to Love AfterimagesTele
A delicate sonic world, woven to gently embrace the pain and regret that lie deep within the heart.
Riding on Tele’s slowly flowing, lyrical melodies, the song about a lost love quietly stays close to the listener’s heart.
The tender, almost whispering vocals and the dreamlike soundscape that seems to reflect a city at night create a space filled with a familiar, aching nostalgia.
Released in February 2025, this work serves as the theme song for Tele’s nationwide tour, coloring 12 shows across 9 cities starting in March.
It’s a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced parting with a loved one or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.
OCEANB’z
B’z’s “OCEAN,” released in August 2005.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama Umizaru, and its lyrics align with the show’s story.
Those who watched the drama will have iconic scenes flash through their minds when they hear this track.
It’s one of their underrated gems—not a hard rock number, but a grand ballad featuring strings and piano.
Vocalist Inaba’s wistful voice resonates beautifully.
When you’re feeling down, listening to this song will likely clear your heart and lift your spirits!
