[Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming songs I especially want men to hear
When you hear the phrase “a moving song,” what comes to mind?
Stirring lyrics, overwhelming vocal power, a grand sense of world-building—how we’re moved can differ from person to person.
This time, we’ve put together a selection of such emotionally impactful songs.
From universally known hits to lesser-known hidden gems, we’ve picked a wide range, so you might just discover something new.
The musical styles are all over the map, too, so take this opportunity to explore genres you don’t usually listen to!
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- A collection of moving songs recommended for men in their 40s: music that resonates with the heart
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- Songs Women Want Men to Sing: Popular Karaoke Picks Chosen by Girls
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Great songs recommended for men. Masterpieces and popular Japanese songs that resonate with the heart.
[Guaranteed to make you cry] Highly recommended emotional songs men should listen to (71–80)
180°yamazaru
A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.
Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.
Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.
The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.
It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.
Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.
dearestFukuyama Masaharu
Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.
While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.
The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.
As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.
First loveHata Motohiro
A ballad by Motohiro Hata, woven with sincere feelings carried by his clear, translucent voice.
He tenderly portrays memories of a love that ended against the flow of fate, likening them to a blue apple and tangled threads.
Released in January 2013 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Space Brothers” and later included on the album “Signed POP,” this work is a characteristically minor-key song from Hata.
Coupled with Seiji Kameda’s delicate arrangement, it strikingly depicts the pain and regret of a love that reached its farewell while still immature.
Hata’s relatable vocals make it a song that recalls the bitter experiences of a first love.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.
It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.
Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.
It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.
sonetACIDMAN
Set against the grand natural landscape of Hokkaido, this story is marked by a gentle melody that tenderly embraces a heart where anxiety and hope intertwine.
With the deep insight and empathy characteristic of ACIDMAN, its lyrics beautifully depict the joys and sorrows of life.
Within the vast flow of time, it quietly speaks to the importance of living true to yourself, exuding a warm, reassuring presence.
Released as the ending theme for the final episode of WOWOW’s drama “Golden Kamuy” in December 2024, it is slated for CD release in January 2025.
The majestic arrangement of strings and piano further enhances its richly emotional world.
When you find yourself stopping along the path toward your dreams and ideals, this work will gently nudge you to take that next step forward.
My WayDef Tech
This song passionately sings about the importance of walking your own path.
It conveys a powerful determination to keep moving toward lofty ideals while staying grounded, offering strong encouragement to listeners.
The warmly enveloping melody and its positive message blend beautifully.
Featured on the album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005, the track garnered numerous tie-ins, including a Yokohama Tires commercial song, a theme song for high school baseball, and an insert song for the film “Crows Zero II.” Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian reggae sound will be a reliable companion when you need the courage to chase your dreams or a boost to fire yourself up.