Songs that move you to tears from the Yutori generation: Japanese music that shakes the soul
Everyone has that special song that makes their heart tremble just by listening to it, right? The song you listened to with friends on your way home from school, the one you played before a club match, the one you cried to after a heartbreak.
For the yutori generation, the music that colored our youth is still something precious that can suddenly stir deep emotions.
In this article, we’ll introduce a rich selection of moving tracks that resonate with the heart, along with memories from back then.
Let yourself savor that warm, nostalgic feeling that makes your chest tighten!
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- Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
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- Songs that Gen Z feel are 'emo'—tracks that stir their emotions.
- A deeply moving song that resonates with the heart. A stylish collection of Japanese music.
- [Yutori Generation] Looking back at the cute songs that colored our youth
[Yutori Generation] Moving Songs: Japanese Tracks That Shake the Heart (11–20)
The Toilet GodUemura Kana
A grand storytelling song that those who were doted on by their grandmothers can’t listen to without tears.
It’s a candid piece in which Kana Uemura lays bare a true story about her beloved grandmother, and every time you listen, you’re filled with gratitude for your family.
Released as a single in November 2010, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Originally included on the mini-album “Watashi no Kakeratachi,” it was later cut as a single due to an overwhelming response on the radio.
The grandmother’s teaching—“Since a goddess is watching, let’s keep everything tidy every day”—comes to mind each time you clean and helps bring peace to your heart.
It’s a masterpiece you should listen to closely when the busyness of life makes you feel like you’re forgetting the people who matter most.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
The straightforward words of love make my heart swell.
It’s a song by the globally popular rock band ONE OK ROCK, included on their album “Niche Syndrome,” released in June 2010.
Taka’s emotional vocals powerfully convey a resolve to bring a smile to the other person no matter where they are, and a deep love that promises to walk together for life.
In 2016, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, gaining widespread attention.
It also remains a steadfast favorite as music played at weddings, ranking first in usage in 2017.
Give it a listen when you want to deepen your bond with your partner or immerse yourself in heartfelt emotion.
March 9Remioromen
As a graduation-season staple that has long been cherished, this is Remioromen’s heartwarming classic ballad.
Originally created as a celebration for a friend’s wedding, the song gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter in life.
Its message—pausing amid the flow of the seasons to reaffirm bonds with loved ones—resonates deeply alongside Ryota Fujimaki’s soaring vocals.
Although it was released as a single in March 2004, many people may remember it as a defining song of their youth after it was featured the following year in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s also included on the album “ether.” On a spring day when farewells and new encounters intertwine, why not listen to it while thinking of old friends?
The impact of a single dropUVERworld
UVERworld is a rock band whose overwhelming energy and strong messages have earned them lasting support across generations.
Released as a single in February 2017, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga.
Its lyrics, themed around “forgiveness,” seem to free you from the pain of blaming yourself, woven together by TAKUYA∞’s powerful yet gentle vocals.
When your heart feels like it might break under unreasonable circumstances, this song may give you the courage to start walking forward again.
Also included on the album TYCOON, it’s a saving grace of a track that soaks deeply into the hearts of those worn out by everyday life.
One Lovearashi
Just hearing the intro is enough to bring that iconic scene back for many people, isn’t it? This love anthem by the national idol group Arashi was released in June 2008 as their 22nd single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the blockbuster film Hana Yori Dango Final, starring group member Jun Matsumoto.
The lyrics, which vow a love that never changes no matter how much time passes, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.
Its message—about choosing just one person and resolving to live together—is pure, unadulterated love.
It became a major sensation, ranking second on Oricon’s 2008 year-end chart.
Beloved as a wedding standard, it’s a gem of a ballad you’ll want to play when you want to express gratitude to a special partner.
In conclusion
We’ve brought you a generous selection of moving songs that deeply resonate with the yutori generation.
If there were moments that made your heart swell with nostalgia, we’re glad.
Music has the power to stir the human spirit across generations, doesn’t it? When you’re feeling down or need a boost, we hope you’ve found a song that can be your support.