A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.

MoonlightKuwana Masahiro

Masahiro Kuwana - Moonlight

In Osaka’s karaoke snack bars, this is the song someone saves for the finale.

It’s usually men over forty who sing it, belting it out with a smug look to impress the hostesses.

But the song is actually about parting—not exactly a happy goodbye, but one that can move you to tears—and it’s also a song about setting out on a new journey.

sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

A debut work by Yo Hitoto that delicately portrays people’s emotions in our lonely modern society.

Amid an information-saturated daily life, the protagonist searches for a place to belong, gently expressing the warmth of a heart that empathizes with others’ tears and stays by their side.

Its original sound weaves together elements of gospel, R&B, and oriental influences, beautifully harmonizing with her crystal-clear vocals.

Since its release in October 2002, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The following year, it won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song I sincerely want to share with those struggling with human connections or those who feel the urge to be there for someone.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.

The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.

Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.

The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.

In that casemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.

While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.

The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.

Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.

A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.

FLAVOR FLAVORKEYTALK

KEYTALK – 「FLAVOR FLAVOR」MUSIC VIDEO

This is their fourth single.

It’s a song that gently wraps you up and leaves you feeling calm when you listen to it.

Shuto, the bass vocalist who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, wanted to create a song that would make you want to jump while bringing you to tears.

It turned out to be an incredibly refreshing track.

DEARlecca

lecca / DEAR from BEST ALBUM 『BEST POSITIVE』

It’s so nostalgic.

I was surprised at how many years have already passed.

Listening to this, I remembered going to the beach, and I started crying again.

I wonder if everyone is still doing well—I think of the friends from back then.

It brings me to tears.

This song reminds me of friends with a bittersweet feeling.

Blah blah yadda yadda!Urufuruzu

Ulfuls “This and That, That’s How It Is!”

It’s a song included on the album ONE MIND, packed with everything that makes Ulfuls who they are.

The music video consists solely of recording scenes.

Listening to it when you’re worried or going through a hard time gives you strength.

Singing it at karaoke can bring you to tears.