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 (21–30)

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Thank youikimonogakari

With moving lyrics and melody, this song resonates deeply.

Released in 2010, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo.

It was Ikimonogakari’s first single to feature only one track, and the 555-yen price became a talking point.

In the music video, filmed in the ballroom at Cliffside in Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, the three members perform and sing before an audience—an especially striking scene.

The lyrics express gratitude to a cherished person, making it popular as a graduation song; it was also included in high school music textbooks for the 2013 academic year.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to cry at karaoke or convey your thanks to someone important.

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AlgernonYorushika

Yorushika – Algernon (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

AlgernonYorushika

This song, with its unforgettable beautiful melody and profound storytelling, moves the hearts of its listeners.

Released digitally in February 2023, it was used as the theme song for TBS’s Tuesday drama “Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu.” Packed with Yorushika’s distinctive worldview, the piece prompts reflection on growth, hope, and the human condition.

The music video combines clay animation with live-action footage to create a unique visual work themed around the “breath and cycle of life.” It’s a perfect song for those who want to sing their hearts out at karaoke and shed some tears.

If you sing it with feeling, you’re sure to feel refreshed.

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me me sheRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – me me she [Official Music Video]

me me sheRADWIMPS

A ballad by the rock band RADWIMPS whose aching melody and candid lyrics pierce the heart.

The title is read as “Memeshii,” and it portrays a complex state of mind where lingering attachment to an ex and a self-centered kind of love are intertwined.

Many listeners will likely relate to the contradictory feelings of acknowledging one’s own weakness as “memeshii” while still wishing happiness for the other person.

Included on the classic 2006 album RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~, it’s not a single, yet it has remained beloved for years.

When you want to let your overflowing emotions out through song, or sink fully into the pain of heartbreak at night, try singing it at karaoke—you might find your heart feels a little lighter.

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budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

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!

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sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

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!

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