Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
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!
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- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
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- Recommended tear-jerking songs for women: classic and popular J‑pop tracks
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- [Moving Songs] A collection of touching Japanese pop classics that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking inspirational songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks
Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke (21–30)
budKobukuro
Since their debut in 2001, Kobukuro have released numerous masterpieces and have now become a staple artist in the J-pop scene! I’m sure many of you have sung their songs at karaoke, and among them, Tsubomi is an incredibly moving tearjerker.
That’s because it’s a song about Kobuchi’s mother, expressing his gratitude for her support of his dreams.
When you sing it at karaoke, try performing it as a male duo like the two members of Kobukuro!
I love you.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.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
This song by SEKAI NO OWARI, which was the theme song for the Pyeongchang Olympics, has such a warm atmosphere, doesn’t it? The lyrics offer cheers to those who keep striving toward their dreams.
They’re filled with words that can support you when you feel like giving up—lines that will surely resonate with anyone.
Since it’s a relaxed song, you can check the rhythm and pitch step by step as you sing, making it a great choice for karaoke!
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
wacci, who became a hot topic after this song went viral mainly on social media.
As the title suggests, the song is written from the perspective of a woman who, after breaking up with her boyfriend, has started seeing someone new.
However, the protagonist is still hung up on her ex.
It’s a masterpiece that weaves those complicated feelings into the title and every corner of the lyrics.
The song resonated with many listeners, garnering a flood of empathetic responses.
The slightly husky tone of the vocals is striking, so it’s a track I’d especially love to hear men try singing.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
Imbued with straightforward affection, this song is one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature tracks.
As the title “Ballad of a Singer” suggests, the lyrics feature a certain singer who lays bare the love he keeps hidden in his heart.
He’s a bit clumsy and can’t put it into words in everyday life, but when he sings, he can express his feelings honestly.
Many listeners are surely moved by that awkward yet sincere emotion.
It’s a perfect song for a man to sing solo with cool confidence.
OrangeSMAP
Among SMAP’s songs, “Orange” is often called a hidden gem.
Released in 2000 as the B-side to “Lion Heart,” it’s a coupling track that enjoys high popularity in fan-voted rankings.
It’s a classic ballad that carefully portrays a parting from a loved one—a heartrending love song.
Yet it still feels warm, perhaps because the lyrics end not with “goodbye” but with “thank you.” Covered by female artists such as miwa and loved by listeners of all genders, this song asks you to deliver its final words gently and memorably.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
If you want to cheer someone up or need the strength to move forward, I recommend “Taisetsu na Mono.” This song was released in 2002 by the rock band Road of Major, which was active from 2002 to 2007.
It was also featured as an insert song in the TV anime Major Second.
The solid band sound and the vocalist’s straightforward singing really hit home.
It’s a track that reminds you of people’s kindness.
If you belt it out when you’re struggling with worries, you might feel a little better.
