Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
When you think of tear-jerking songs, what kind of tracks come to mind?
From heart-wrenching breakup songs to ones about losing someone forever, J-pop is full of songs with many different stories.
Even beyond those themes, there are also songs that overlap with your own experiences and bring you to tears.
This time, we’ve put together a list of emotional songs by female artists that we recommend for the yutori generation.
Of course, these are all masterpieces that will resonate with people of any generation, not just those from the yutori generation, so be sure to check them out!
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Tears for a heartrending story... Songs that make women cry, recommended for the Yutori generation (1–10)
planetariumOtsuka Ai
It’s a song themed around feelings of bittersweet love and lost time, with lyrics that poignantly overlay emotions onto the beautiful scenery of a planetarium.
Ai Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals, paired with an arrangement centered on piano and strings, heighten the sense of poignancy even further.
Released in September 2005, the track was also used as an image song for the drama “Boys Over Flowers,” capturing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to feel the wistfulness of late summer or reminisce about past love.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
A ballad where piano and strings resonate deeply with the heart.
Released in April 2016 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” this piece unfolds around themes of profound love, gratitude, and parting.
The beautiful image of putting one’s feelings for a cherished person into a bouquet and presenting it to them is especially striking.
It received high acclaim, including winning an Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards.
This is a song I particularly recommend to those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, or who hold feelings of gratitude too deep to fully express in words.
Stop this nightJUJU
JUJU’s 15th single is a gem of a ballad that depicts the heartbreak of a bittersweet farewell in love.
Released in November 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Guilty: Akuma to Keiyaku Shita Onna.” The wistful melody and JUJU’s richly emotive vocals vividly convey the pain of a broken heart.
Its earnest plea is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song we especially recommend to women troubled by love and to anyone who has experienced parting from someone precious.
Singing it at karaoke and shedding a few tears is recommended, too.
Tears for a heartrending story… Songs that make women cry, recommended for the Yutori generation (11–20)
HANABI 〜episode II〜Hamasaki Ayumi
A song that expresses summer memories and the ache of heartbreak through the transience of fireworks.
Ayumi Hamasaki’s clear, airy vocals highlight the poignant lyrics and beautiful melody.
Included on the single “&,” released in July 2003, it drew considerable attention.
Its striking phrases vividly recall everyday moments with someone you’ve lost.
A track you’ll want to listen to when reflecting on past relationships or reminiscing about cherished memories with someone special.
Ayumi Hamasaki’s delicate emotional expression makes this a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
I want to see you.nowisee
nowisee is a music unit that publicly vows never to reveal its members’ identities, letting the music speak for itself.
Gentle piano melodies and delicate guitar tones seep into the heart, beautifully portraying memories of a lost lover.
Released digitally in July 2016 and included on the August 2016 album “Shukō no Sensō” (The War in the Palm), this song is accompanied by a must-see music video featuring around ten thousand sparklers.
It’s a moving piece that offers comfort to those nursing the pain of heartbreak or parting with someone dear.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
This song released by Angela Aki takes the form of a letter to her 15-year-old self, carrying a gentle message that embraces the worries and anxieties of adolescence.
The lyrics, sung over tender piano tones, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 2008, the piece was also chosen as a set piece for NHK’s National School Music Competition and was sung by many junior high school students.
It was further featured as the theme song for the film “Shodo Girls!! Our Koshien,” earning support across a wide range of ages.
For those of the yutori generation struggling with work or relationships, it may well be a song that offers emotional support.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
A song characterized by a melody that seeps in with the quiet tones of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics delicately express the pain and regret of a broken heart, resonating deeply.
Koresawa’s translucent voice echoes gently, as if wrapping those bittersweet feelings.
Released in March 2017 as her final indie single, this track serves as a culmination before her major-label debut.
It’s packed with relatable elements that we hope women in their twenties, struggling with love, will connect with.
A perfect song for when you want to heal the wounds of heartbreak or look back on memories with someone special.