Hidden gems among tear-jerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
This is a playlist of carefully selected hidden gems among tear-jerking Japanese songs that move listeners to tears.
While it’s centered on ballads, the approaches vary: some are dramatic, some unadorned, some have a rich, weighty sound, and others are built simply.
All of them have great lyrics, so be sure to check them out.
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Hidden gems of tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
Together foreverKobukuro
Released on October 14, 2004, this is Kobukuro’s 10th single.
It was their first single in about five months since the previous release, “DOOR,” and marked their first self-produced work among their singles.
Many teenagers today may know Kobukuro but not be familiar with this song.
When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru
The 13th single, released on April 21, 2004.
It was her first release in a year and three months since the previous single, “COLORS,” and, unusually for her, it was a song for which the lyrics were written first.
It was used as the theme song for the film “CASSHERN.” Hikaru Utada really has too many masterpieces…
cactusPorno Graffitti
It’s Porno Graffitti’s fifth single.
The song dates back to their indie days, and apparently the lyrics were rewritten twice.
It’s included on the album “foo?”.
Despite its very sorrowful memories of a girlfriend and its melancholic tone, it has a charm that makes you want to keep listening.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara’s “Donna Tokimo” (“No Matter When”) is one of his classic songs that continues to enjoy undiminished popularity.
It was used as the theme song for the film “No Anomaly on the Job-Hunting Front,” and in 2017 it became the commercial song for “Kenja no Shokutaku.” Makihara’s sincere lyrics strike the heart and bring tears to your eyes.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
Chihiro Onitsuka’s “Gekkou” (Moonlight) is a renowned song that also served as the theme for TV Asahi’s Friday drama “TRICK.” It’s not widely known, but the song originally wasn’t slated for single release; after the drama became a hit, a single release was decided—giving the track a dramatic backstory.
Hidden gems of tear-jerker songs: Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Full of memoriesH₂O
H2O is a Japanese folk-pop duo formed by junior high school classmates.
They formed in 1976 and disbanded in 1985, later reuniting in 1999 and remaining active until 2001.
This song is their signature track, depicting the passage of time as a girl experiences a bittersweet first love and grows into adulthood.
Their beautifully harmonized voices over two acoustic guitars leave an enduring impression.
blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS
A masterpiece that sings about the folly of humans who judge others by appearances—and the absurdity of a world that lets such things pass.
Many will be captivated by the vocalist’s strained, guttural delivery as they move intensely, and by the meaning of the lyrics.
It’s a song that will be listened to and sung for generations to come.