Hidden gems among tear-jerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

When it comes to Hideaki Tokunaga, many people probably think of “Kowarekake no Radio,” but “Rainy Blue” is also a wonderful song! The image of cold rain highlights the poignancy even more.

Tokunaga’s uniquely husky voice carries a sense of sadness that fits the song perfectly, and just listening to it makes your chest tighten.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine” is a song that truly embodies him, often called a magician of melancholy.

Where on earth did his all-around talent—handling the PV’s animation, the lyrics, and the composition all by himself—come from?

Under the same skyayaka

Ayaka – Under the Same Sky

Ayaka’s “Minna Sora no Shita” (“Everyone Under the Sky”) is a song released in 2009, just before she paused her activities for medical treatment.

It became a famous tune through its tie-in as the theme for a Kao shampoo commercial, and as an encouraging song that strongly supports a friend, it’s the kind of piece that can move you to tears.

A gentle lieAcid Black Cherry

Acid Black Cherry 'Gentle Lie' MV

When you think of Acid Black Cherry, a fierce image tends to come to mind, but this one is a straightforward ballad.

Its theme is lies born from having loved someone too much.

The keyword “lies” expands the song’s scope—capturing the fragile parts of ourselves that, even while knowing we were being lied to, still leaned on those lies, and the sorrowful destination we reached as a result of our own weakness.

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako

Unchanging Things

“Kawaranai Mono” is included on Hanako Oku’s fourth CD, Garnet, released in 2006.

It’s a tearjerker that also gained attention as the theme song for the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time—a masterpiece that conveys a slice of youth, along with its bittersweetness and loneliness.

Mirror, mirrorFujita Maiko

Maiko Fujita “Mirror, Mirror” Music Video

A song by Maiko Fujita whose beautiful melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply.

Featured on the album “Color,” its Snow White–inspired lyrics portray the inner conflicts that lie within a woman’s heart.

Released in May 2023, the piece was written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi of wacci.

Fujita’s transparent, airy vocals vividly express the complex emotions of a woman in love.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or wants to confront their own feelings.

After listening, you’ll likely feel inspired to take a fresh look at yourself.

Love in both handsACIDMAN

Acidman – Love in Both Hands

A classic song that gently speaks to the sorrow of losing a close family member.

When someone dear passes away, we’re often tormented by regret—wondering whether we were truly kind to them, whether we showed gratitude beyond what we received.

As the song repeatedly asks whether the departed lived a happy life, strings in both high and low registers tenderly intertwine, expressing the sadness with a subdued grace.