Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks

I can’t turn it into a memory.Mayo Okamoto

I can’t turn it into a memory - Mayo Okamoto

A single released by Mayo Okamoto in 1998.

With its gentle piano tones and Okamoto’s clear, transparent vocals, it’s a song that resonates deep in the heart.

When you’re feeling sentimental and thinking of someone precious you’ve since parted ways with, listening to it will likely make it hard to hold back your tears.

Even when you throw yourself into new encounters or things you’re passionate about, there are times when those memories resurface somewhere in your heart, aren’t there? I think those days that truly existed have, at times, given you strength.

Please take care to make time now and then to remember.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

If tomorrow comesJUJU

If Tomorrow Comes by JUJU with JAY'ED

Released in 2009 as JUJU’s 10th single.

Chosen as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “April Bride” (Yomei 1-kagetsu no Hanayome), it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became her best-selling single.

It’s a masterpiece that makes you feel how incredibly precious the ordinary fact of being alive and welcoming tomorrow truly is.

OCEANB’z

B’z / OCEAN

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

hometownarashi

Arashi, my hometown Kumamoto

It is a song included on Arashi’s 14th original album, “Japonism,” released in 2015.

The piece was created for the 61st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2010, and in 2013 it was selected as the compulsory song for the elementary school division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Dear daysHirai Ken

Ken Hirai Live at Hong Kong APM Performing “Itoshiki Hibi yo” – 2011-06-09

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Letter ~To My Beloved~Fujita Maiko

[Chinese-Japanese Subtitles PV] Maiko Fujita - Letter ~To My Beloved~

Released in 2013 as Maiko Fujita’s ninth single.

The song features lyrics that candidly express gratitude to one’s parents, and it has become a staple at “rui-katsu” events—gatherings where people refresh their minds and bodies by having a good cry.

It is often used at weddings and is filled with love for one’s parents.

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Tota is an artist whose charm lies in her unadorned, sincere voice.

Since 2022, she has been sharing her music from home in the style known as a bedroom sound creator.

This song, released in 2023, features lyrics that express a wish—and offer encouragement—to live life to the fullest even in times of sadness or hardship, right up to the very end.

It’s curious how being alive can make us conscious of death, but the lyrics, which juxtapose life and death, are thought-provoking.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words carefully.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem