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 (31–40)
Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie
A bittersweet yet beautiful song about feelings for someone you’ll no longer be able to see after graduation.
Released in January 1983 as Yoshie Kashiwabara’s 14th single, it is one of her signature tracks, written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima.
It peaked at No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and won the Gold Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
The song also led to her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its worldview—where the brightness of spring cruelly intersects with the pain of parting—strikes straight to the heart.
Rather than going for flashy drama, the piece is memorable for its steady progression, where the melody calmly unfolds and the emotional shadows gradually deepen.
Revisited every graduation season, it continues to be loved across generations.
It’s recommended for moments when, on the cusp of a new beginning, you want to pause and gather your thoughts.
GraduationHikaru GENJI
Let me introduce a classic by Hikaru GENJI, released in November 1987 as the B-side to the single “Garasu no Jūdai.” With lyrics by Ryo Asuka and music by CHAGE—a truly star-studded team—this work is a coming-of-age ballad that movingly captures the milestone of graduation.
The lyrics not only convey the sorrow of parting but also weave in the hope of taking a new step forward, leaving a deep impression on the heart.
On Music Station in September 1995, the group performed the song with a memorable staging in which the members removed their roller skates and placed them on the stage, bringing many fans to tears.
It’s a track that showcases the group’s delicate emotionality—another facet of their appeal beyond their dazzling performances.
A deeply moving song recommended not only for those facing graduation, but for anyone experiencing a farewell with cherished friends.
uniformMatsuda Seiko
Originally released in 1982 as the B-side to the eighth single “Akai Sweet Pea,” this song has long been cherished as one of Seiko Matsuda’s hidden masterpieces.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, music by Kureta Keiko (the pen name of Yumi Matsutoya), and arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was created by a stellar team.
The lyrics portray the feelings of the protagonist walking beside the person they like amid a sea of umbrellas on graduation day, brimming with the bittersweet tension between the desire to confess and the urge to hold back.
It masterfully condenses the universal theme of the end of student days into just 3 minutes and 33 seconds.
Despite being a B-side, its quality is such that Seiko Matsuda herself said it was “as complete as an A-side.” In 1984, it was included on the compilation album Touch Me, Seiko, which collected coupling tracks and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a song I highly recommend to those setting out on a springtime journey or anyone nostalgic for their school days.
A Lonely Graduation CeremonyAsaka Yui
On the morning of graduation, feelings that end without ever being spoken—here’s a song that Yui Asaka renders with delicate nuance.
Included on the album “Star Lights,” released in February 1987, the record marked a major leap in her career, peaking at No.
8 on the Oricon charts.
This track is a gently paced ballad that carefully sketches scenes of school life—classroom seats, yearbook messages—while quietly tracing the emotions of someone who couldn’t confess their love.
Though not showy, its structure beautifully conveys the spring atmosphere and the subtle flutter in one’s chest.
It’s a number that gently stands beside anyone facing graduation, and anyone carrying feelings they couldn’t put into words.
Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko
Released in February 1985, Momoko Kikuchi’s fourth single remains beloved as a classic that colors the graduation season.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and composition/arrangement by Tetsuji Hayashi, this work is a slowed-down ballad whose delicate sound evokes the hazy spring sunlight.
The lyrics sensitively depict universal emotions—not only graduation as a school event, but also parting, the passage of time, and the feeling that there is no going back.
In addition to being featured in a Shiseido “Acne” commercial, it also drew attention as the theme song for a television drama of the same name starring Momoko Kikuchi herself.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and is included on the album “TROPIC of CAPRICORN.” It’s a song you’ll want to play when you wish to express gratitude to irreplaceable friends and mentors with whom you’ve shared precious days.
Touching songs sung by idols: tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (41–50)
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!