An emotional song sung by an idol—tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of feelings.
If you’re an idol fan, you probably have a few favorite songs that move you to tears whenever you hear them.
Beyond the lyrics themselves, there are many songs that move us because of the stories behind them—like the members’ feelings infused into the music and their live performances.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of touching songs by idols all at once.
Each track has its own story, so be sure to listen while reading the lyrics.
- A collection of timeless ballads sung by idols—songs that deeply touch the heart
- An idol-sung cheer song: A roundup of recommended tracks that lift your spirits when you listen
- [Graduation Song] A tear-jerking track sung by an idol! A moving piece depicting friendship and gratitude [2026]
- An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days
- A breakup song sung by an idol. A collection of bittersweet love songs.
- Friendship songs sung by idols: A collection of classic tracks celebrating bonds and gratitude with friends
- [2026] Spring songs sung by idols: A roundup of cherry blossom and graduation songs
- Cool hit songs by Johnny’s (Johnny & Associates)
- Guaranteed heart-flutters! Carefully selected recommendations and hidden gems from Hey! Say! JUMP
- [2026] Autumn songs sung by idols: A collection of classic autumn tunes filled with nostalgia
- Love songs sung by idols: from heart-wrenching tracks to ones that make your heart skip a beat!
- Members wrote lyrics too! BiSH’s masterpiece with striking, personality-packed words that really hit home.
- An upbeat song sung by an idol. A recommended track that will lift your spirits when you listen to it.
A moving song sung by an idol. Tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (1–10)
Search for Diamond Lily＝LOVE
Cherry blossoms, an old school building, a uniform button—packed with such scenes of spring, this =LOVE song is the group’s fifth single, released in April 2019.
With lyrics written by Rino Sashihara and a fresh melody crafted by multiple composers, it pairs a bright tempo with lyrics that gently ache with the passage of time.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
The track was also featured in Mr.
Fusion’s programming school “Prosta Kids” commercial.
In its story-driven music video, the turmoil of parting with friends is portrayed with care.
It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but also for anyone who struggles to put their gratitude for friends into words.
Listen as spring arrives, and you’ll feel moved to cherish the time you have with the people who matter most.
I want to become invisible.Number_i
A solo number by Shiyoh Hirano that drew major attention for being produced by singer-songwriter Vaundy.
Layering everyday scenes and changing skies, it delicately expresses the wish to melt into the presence of someone special, sung over a soothing band sound.
Included on the album “No.I,” released in September 2024, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles chart and has been loved by many listeners.
Give it a listen when you feel a bit worn out by busy days or want to quietly reflect alone at night.
Hirano’s gentle vocals will softly stay by your side and calm an anxious heart.
Color contacts winkAKB48
This dazzling number was created as the culmination of Yuki Kashiwagi’s idol career, with Kashiwagi—who has long led the group—serving as center for the first time on her own.
You can practically picture the bittersweet scene of unrequited love, where feelings are conveyed not through words, but through glances and gestures.
Released as a single in March 2024, it was composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, the hitmaker behind numerous chart-toppers.
The melody, blending nostalgia and freshness, is sure to set listeners’ hearts dancing.
In the music video, a world surrounded by colorful flowers beautifully portrays the “life of an idol.” Perfect for the spring season, this work gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter.
It’s an ideal track when you want to immerse yourself in a classic idol song.
A moving song sung by an idol: tearjerkers filled with many emotions (11–20)
Because I like you.AKB48
This piece could be called a hidden gem by AKB48, a song about pure love that asks for nothing in return.
Riding on a driving, fast-paced band sound, it delivers a heartfelt message in classic idol-pop fashion.
Originally included as a B-side to the single “RIVER,” released in October 2009, it gained such passionate support from fans that it proudly took 2nd place at the following year’s Request Hour.
It was also used as the theme for the Wii game Tōmajiden commercials, so some listeners may already find it familiar.
The bright vocals from the Under Girls, including Aki Takajo, give listeners a powerful push forward.
If you listen when you’re feeling down or when you want to cheer someone on with all your might, you’re sure to get a dose of positive energy.
sweet timeriLiFE!
iLiFE!, a group that channels the raw energy of their concerts directly into their music, has been winning passionate support, especially from Gen Z.
This track, included on TYPE-B of the album “iLiFE! Starter Pack!” released in January 2023, is a fan favorite that takes the sense of unity at live shows to its peak.
Written and composed by kissssy, the song paints the joy of finally meeting with words like starry sky and magic.
The choreography and coordinated calls are a blast too, making it easy to picture the entire venue wrapped in a happy atmosphere.
It’s a perfect song not only for reaffirming your love for your oshi, but also for anyone who wants to break free from a dull everyday routine and spend a dreamlike moment.
Idol Life Extra PackiLiFE!
This is a signature track that directly translates the group’s concept—“An idol life created by you and me”—into the very structure of the song! Medansy single-handedly handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement, and it’s especially unique in how the lyrics themselves function as a step-by-step guide to calls and on-site etiquette.
Since its release as a digital single in August 2022, it’s become a major buzz on TikTok and beyond, and it was also included in their first album, “iLife Starter Pack,” released in January 2023, serving as a calling-card track.
It’s perfect not only for those who want to experience the unity of a live show, but also as an introductory piece for anyone preparing for their first on-site debut.
Feel the exhilarating sound that conveys the venue’s feverish energy just by listening.
First Love RevivaliLiFE!
Even when you think you don’t expect anything from love, there are those moments when your heart suddenly skips a beat, right? This iLiFE! track captures that unexpected thrill—a number that makes you feel like the heroine of a story just by listening.
Sparkling synths and a bouncy rhythm reboot emotions that had gone cold in an instant.
Released in August 2022 and later included on the January 2023 album “iLiFE Starter Pack,” it’s been nurtured alongside fans as a live staple.
The sense of unity that’s completed by everyone shouting together and sharing the energy across the venue is truly exceptional! If you’re craving a spark in a dull everyday routine or want to get hyped without overthinking, this song will undoubtedly be a powerful ally.