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.
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A moving song sung by an idol. Tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (21–30)
It smelled like shampoo.22/7
A 2nd single by 22/7 that portrays a secret longing for an upperclassman at an all-girls school.
Released in April 2018, the song delicately weaves the feelings of a faint, bittersweet crush.
It tells of parting with a senior who is leaving the club, the image of a white blouse turning translucent in backlight, and a gently drifting scent.
While carrying a love that can’t be told to anyone, the story unfolds up to the moment the senior embraces her, tightening the chest with every scene.
This work leaves the ache of an unfulfilled first love, yet also a lingering sense of solace.
It’s a song that quietly stands by those who cannot confide their feelings for someone of the same gender.
I’m totally in love.CANDY TUNE
A pop-rock tune packed with sweet, melting feelings of love and a slightly thrilling, heart-pounding excitement.
It’s included on the album “Double Double FIGHT!” released in October 2025 by Harajuku-born idol group CANDY TUNE.
The song has been performed on their nationwide tour and on TBS’s “CDTV Live! Live!”, and is beloved as a crowd-pleasing staple that unites fans.
It’s perfect when you want to make a move on someone you like or express the fun of love with all your might.
In the chorus, try singing as if you’re delivering overflowing love while imitating the cute choreography!
A moving song sung by an idol. Tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (31–40)
You will fall in love this summer.≠ME
The idol group ≠ME produced by Rino Sashihara released their major debut single in July 2021.
This work refreshingly portrays the feelings of summer love, and a notable feature of the music video is its delicate depiction of romance between girls.
The lyrics express a protagonist who, prompted by a fortune-telling, resolves to take a step toward love.
It’s a piece where the exhilaration and bittersweetness of youth coexist.
When you realize you have feelings for someone of the same sex, this is a song that gently gives you a push forward.
Too late caution＝LOVE
The title track of =LOVE’s 3rd single, depicting a forbidden romance set at an all-girls school.
Released in May 2018, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Producer Rino Sashihara penned the lyrics, weaving tense, gripping words to portray a girl’s turmoil as she wavers between society’s “rightness” and an uncontrollable love.
Why not give it a listen when you’re harboring feelings you can’t tell anyone about?
Love letterHey! Say! JUMP
This is a ballad that captures the frustration of being unable to take that first step in love, alongside the pure feelings you hold for someone.
Its structure—passing the vocals along over delicate piano and strings—seems to carefully trace the subtle shifts of a wavering heart.
Many listeners will likely feel a tightening in their chest at the image of someone entrusting their overflowing feelings to a letter, lacking the courage to speak directly.
It’s the coupling track included on the standard edition of the single “encore,” released in May 2025.
While the title track drew attention as a TV drama theme, this song quietly won fans over as a hidden gem.
It’s a piece that stays close on nights when you want to keep thinking of someone in silence.
For anyone experiencing a one-sided love and finding it hard to be honest, this is a work you should definitely hear.
Confession Heart RateSKE48
SKE48, based in Sakae at the heart of Nagoya, continue to captivate audiences with their energetic performances.
This work, the group’s 33rd single title track, is a fast-paced dance number that portrays the pounding heartbeat of a fateful first encounter.
Even before knowing anything about the other person, you’re drawn to them beyond reason… That uncontrollable feeling of falling in love is expressed through choreography inspired by a racing pulse.
Released in October 2024, the song shines with Haruka Kumazaki at its center—her long-awaited first time in the spotlight nearly 10 years after joining the group.
It’s the perfect track for anyone ready to take a step toward confessing their feelings.
Now, the moon is waxing≒JOY
≒JOY is an idol group that has been on a remarkable run since their debut in January 2024.
Released digitally in August 2025, this song is a love ballad that sings of pure feelings for someone special.
In fact, it’s a cover of a track that Ms.
Sashihara once wrote for HKT48.
The refreshing sound arrangement evokes the image of a star-studded night sky.
It’s the perfect dose of idol pop for when you want to immerse yourself in single-minded love.