Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

Do you go to karaoke to refresh yourself or relieve stress?

I think many people want to belt out songs at the top of their lungs to blow off steam, but if you want to feel even more refreshed, I recommend singing songs that make you cry!

Whether you cry while singing yourself or shed tears listening to the person you’re with sing, letting your emotions flow through a heartfelt song is a wonderful thing—and it will leave your heart feeling clear.

In this article, we’ll focus on tear-jerking songs to help you choose your setlist and introduce some recommended tracks!

Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke (1–10)

I love you.NEW!Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Aishiteru” Music Video

I love you.NEW!Hirai Ken

A fragile, gentle ballad produced by Seiji Kameda that sings of the sorrow and love of losing someone dear, it served as the theme song for the film “Ghost: Mou Ichido Dakishimetai,” released on November 10, 2010.

A dramatic signature song commemorating the 15th anniversary of his debut, its music video features Ken Hirai himself giving a powerful performance as a deceased man, resulting in a deeply moving work.

The song’s overall vocal range is E3–D5, roughly two octaves, and as long as you can produce low notes and falsetto without strain, it shouldn’t pose much difficulty.

Try projecting your voice as if pulling it toward the back of your head—you may find it a bit easier to sing.

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powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow (Music Video Short ver.)

powder snowRemioromen

While “Konayuki,” one of Remioromen’s signature songs, is hugely popular as a go-to karaoke track, it’s also a renowned tearjerker.

The song is structured to soar at the chorus, and if you can sing that expansive hook well, it’s sure to feel amazing.

Plus, since the track was used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” recalling the show’s story alongside the heartrending lyrics really touches the heart and can bring you to tears.

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Nameless PoemMr.Children

Mr.Children “Nameless Poem” Mr.Children “HOME” TOUR 2007 ~in the field~

Nameless PoemMr.Children

It’s a song with a striking, distinctive melody line in the verse.

Not only the verse, but the flowing, pleasant chorus is also familiar to many listeners.

Among their songs, this one is extremely popular and is beloved as a karaoke staple.

The lyrics, which can be seen as a cheer song for life, are filled with messages that give you the courage to take a step forward and pep talks that fire you up; if you listen when you’re struggling, you might end up in tears… When you’re troubled—or when someone you go to karaoke with is—please sing this song and let the tears flow.

By the time you finish, your heart will surely feel refreshed.

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rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda’s fifth single, chosen as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.

Composed by Huwie Ishizaki, who also teamed up with Suda on Sayonara Elegy, it’s a deeply moving masterpiece wrapped in profound affection.

The lyrics seem to capture many forms of love—not just for a romantic partner, but for friends and family as well—and they stir the listener’s emotions.

Try singing it as if you’re speaking to the person by your side, with heartfelt gratitude.

It’s sure to resonate with everyone.

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366 daysHY

HY – “366 Days” Live Music Video

366 daysHY

If we’re talking about breakup songs sung by women, this one is essential.

It’s one of HY’s signature tracks, and they’ve produced many beloved breakup songs.

The protagonist in the lyrics seems unable to let go of a past lover.

You reading this might have had a similar experience yourself.

In contrast to the bittersweet, heart-wrenching episodes depicted in the lyrics, the melody line and vocals are strikingly beautiful.

The intensity builds toward the end, making it perfect for belting out at karaoke; if you really get into it, it’s a song that could move not only the listeners but even the singer to tears.

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