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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- A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
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- [Hidden Gem] Japanese Songs You'll Want to Share with Someone Right Now
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- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things that have formShibasaki Kou
Ko Shibasaki’s sixth single, released on August 11, 2004.
While Ko Shibasaki is strongly associated with acting, she has also been highly successful as a singer.
The song became hugely popular as the theme for the TBS drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It will surely continue to be remembered as a timeless classic.
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.
OverMr.Children
“Over,” an early Mr.Children song included at the end of the album “Atomic Heart,” is one of the tracks highly popular among fans.
It’s a breakup song whose bittersweet yet bright mood is a hallmark of Mr.Children.
The song “Over” carries a dual meaning: “it ends here, and it begins from here.”