[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!
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[Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming Songs Especially Men Should Listen To (1–10)
To my fatherZushi Sankyōdai
A heartwarming song that celebrates gratitude and love for one’s parents.
Its nostalgic melody—blending Shonan-flavored acoustic sounds with contemporary beats—leaves a lasting impression.
With delicate emotional expression, it beautifully portrays the protagonist’s reverence for a father’s self-sacrifice and love.
Included on the album “Shonan Broadway,” released in June 2015, it also drew attention for its music video, released to coincide with Father’s Day.
True to Zushi Sankyoudai’s style of focusing on family love, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to express appreciation to their father.
A captivating track that warms the heart every time you listen.
NOTEKobukuro
One of Japan’s most iconic music duos, Kobukuro.
From their album “NAMELESS WORLD,” let me introduce the song “NOTE.” The album contains many hit tracks, and among them, this is a song that has received a great deal of response.
It likens a man’s heart—or a life—to a blank notebook, depicting how a variety of emotions and events are written onto its pages.
Listening through, you’ll feel the beauty and fragility of life—that’s its appeal.
It’s a song that anyone can relate to, and it’s sure to leave you with a sweet ache.
Dear, boyHump Back
It’s a track marked by heartbreakingly tight, aching lyrics.
Many listeners will likely relate to how it captures the emotions of youth—where hope and anxiety intersect—in words that feel true to life.
Released in June 2018 as Hump Back’s major-label debut, it reached No.
13 on the Oricon charts.
The backstory—that it was inspired by notes written by Momoko Hayashi in her teens—adds even more to its appeal.
It’s a deeply resonant song that encourages those chasing their dreams and young people facing an uncertain future.
[Guaranteed Tearjerker] Heartwarming Songs Especially Men Should Hear (11–20)
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
A collaborative song by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Noriyuki Makihara.
Born from their interaction on a music program, it was released in November 2004 and became a major topic of conversation.
The lyrics convey care for family and the message that happiness isn’t found in material wealth alone, and they were written based on episodes from Hitoshi Matsumoto’s childhood.
They depict memories of choosing inexpensive dishes so as not to burden his parents—remembrances that linger even into adulthood—making it a song that highlights the value of simple yet meaningful memories.
Kitearashi
Arashi’s 58th single portrays dreams, hopes, and the warm support of family by likening them to kites.
Produced as the “NHK 2020 Song,” it was written and composed by the popular artist Kenshi Yonezu, and generated huge buzz when performed at the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Released in July 2020, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, selling 911,000 copies in its first week and becoming Arashi’s first million-selling single.
It’s a song full of encouragement and empathy, perfect for graduation season and times of new beginnings.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
A digital single released in May 2019 by singer Masaki Suda, an artist and actor whose unique, slightly otherworldly appeal makes him impossible to ignore.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Perfect World” and was written and produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
Centered on the search for “mistakes” and “answers” in life, its lyrics are likely to resonate with many.
It’s a simple yet deeply meaningful song, highlighted by Suda’s gentle vocals—an emotional ballad that captures both the solitude and the beauty of living.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
An emotional song by Naotaro Moriyama, an artist loved regardless of gender for his high-level vocal skills and memorable vibrato that naturally draws listeners into the world of his music.
It’s a ballad that weaves together memories shared with friends from one’s youth.