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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- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
NonfictionHirai Ken
“Nonfiction” is one of Ken Hirai’s signature songs and was also the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Little Giant.” The heartrending lyrics are no surprise, as the song is said to have been written with thoughts of a friend of Hirai’s who took their own life.
Moon DropsRUI
RUI’s “Moon Droplets” is a single released under a different name by Kou Shibasaki.
It’s a moving song used as both an insert song and the main theme for the film “Yomigaeri.” The lyrics express the heartbreaking desire to see someone who has passed away, and it’s said that many people were moved to tears when they watched it in theaters.
Always keep the sun in your heartKureyon-sha
Crayon Company is a Japanese musical duo consisting of Yukie Yaginuma and Hideki Kato, active since 1989.
The lyrics of Crayon Company’s songs are all warm, offering encouragement as if to say, “It’s okay—these things happen,” when you’re lost or hurt.
They’re the kind of songs you want to listen to alone on a Sunday afternoon or after coming home from work.
Christmas songback number
Back Number’s “Christmas Song” was the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama ‘5→9: From Five to Nine.’ Starring Satomi Ishihara and Tomohisa Yamashita, the heart-fluttering yet bittersweet series—based on a shōjo manga—became a hot topic for being so moving it could bring viewers to tears.
emptyyuzu
Released in 1998 as Yuzu’s third single.
The song reached No.
4 on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart, and its lyrics are based on member Iwasawa’s memory of being confessed to by a woman—he turned her down at first, but later found himself falling for her.
It’s one of Yuzu’s classic early ballads.
I miss youBEGIN
A classic by Begin that sings of the yearning and bittersweetness while reminiscing about a love that has ended.
When a relationship comes to a close, what always comes to mind are the happy times overflowing with affection.
It’s an eternal masterpiece that quietly sings of those happy days that have passed—days that can never be reclaimed.
searchlightTamaki Kōji
Koji Tamaki’s “Searchlight” was also used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV serial drama “Tokyo Bandwagon: A Downtown Family Story,” in which he himself appeared.
It was a tear-jerking family drama featuring a star-studded cast that included Kazuya Kamenashi.