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 from a heartrending story... Songs that make women cry, recommended for the Yutori generation (21–30)
The Door to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
Aoi Teshima, whose translucent singing voice gently envelops listeners’ hearts.
Released in February 2016 as the theme song for the drama “Someday, When I Recall This Love, I Will Surely Cry,” this piece is a special track: a rearrangement of a song from the album “Ren’dez-vous” tailored for the show.
Its lyrics, like a letter to a precious person far away, are deeply moving and will surely resonate with anyone who has experienced farewell or a new departure.
The simple arrangement centered on piano and strings, if anything, highlights the weight of each word.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to reflect on memories with someone dear, or when you need courage to face forward.
Things that have formShibasaki Kou
It seems to tell us that even if tangible things fade away, memories continue to shine forever in our hearts.
This is the sixth single by Kou Shibasaki, who is active both as an actress and a singer, and it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” which aired in 2004 and became a social phenomenon.
The song portrays the strength and poignancy of thinking of someone you can no longer meet, transforming even sorrow into love.
Her voice, combining clarity and power, melds with the sweeping strings, and together with the drama’s worldview, it really tugs at the heartstrings.
When you are grieving the loss of someone dear, it gently stays by your side and kindles a warm light in your heart.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Singer-songwriter Tota, known for a sound that incorporates indie rock and synth-pop, has been drawing attention.
Released in February 2023 and included on the debut album “oidaki,” this digital single features a voice that leaves a deep impression as it speaks to the heart.
When a short version was posted on social media in June 2021, it spread rapidly, and the performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE also became a major topic.
This work is a love song that depicts parting with someone dear, and a prayer for the future that continues despite it.
The lyrics, which evoke scenes of sending one’s feelings on the sky’s tears and the wind’s song, may leave you with a bittersweet ache just by listening.
It’s sure to gently stay by the side of a heart sunk in the sorrow of farewell.
Pointillism Song (feat. Sonoko Inoue)Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE captivates listeners with their overwhelming expressive power.
This song, included on their single “Ao to Natsu” released in August 2018, was produced with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.
As an insert track for the film “Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi,” it depicts the story of a man and a woman sensing an impending farewell at summer’s end.
The swelling emotions despite knowing time is limited, and the frustration of being unable to hold hands, are conveyed achingly through their two voices.
You can almost see memories piling up like scattered points before your eyes.
When you’re troubled by a love that can’t be, or on a sentimental night, listening to it will gently stay close to that helpless feeling.
Maplesupittsu
It’s one of Spitz’s signature ballads and an absolutely indispensable song when introducing bittersweet tracks.
The song was originally included on the March 1998 album “Fake Fur,” and was later released as a single.
It has been used as an insert song across eras, in dramas like “Over Time” and “silent,” so I think many people have heard it.
The lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to keep moving forward while holding tight to memories of a beloved person one can no longer meet, and it really squeezes your heart.
Masamune Kusano’s soft, clear vocals and the band’s warm performance seem to gently permeate a sorrowful heart, while at the same time accentuating the loneliness embedded in the lyrics.
Never again…BENI
“I just want to hear your voice one more time, but I can’t.” This is BENI’s renowned ballad that sings of a heartbreakingly painful wish.
The lyrics, torn between lingering feelings for an unforgettable lover and the resolve to tell oneself there’s no going back to the past, will squeeze the hearts of anyone bearing the same pain.
There’s even an anecdote that BENI herself unexpectedly shed tears during the music video shoot, which speaks to the depth of emotion poured into this piece.
Released in December 2008 and tied in with a MBS-affiliated TV program, its memorable melody—marked by piano and strings—surely lingers in many listeners’ minds.
Also included on the album “Bitter & Sweet,” this song might be the perfect one to let a few quiet tears fall to.
Best-before date of lovetuki.
While sensing the end of love, they still can’t let go of their affection for the other person.
This song by tuki.
portrays that contradictory heart with painfully raw realism.
Frustrated by miscommunication over social media, yet feeling happy just to be by their side—the protagonist’s feelings will inevitably tighten the listener’s chest.
Released in September 2024, exactly one year after the striking debut “Bansanka,” this work is an answer song.
With other tracks featured in PlayStation 5 commercials, tuki.’s unique world continues to captivate many.
If you’ve ever experienced the aching loneliness of a relationship slowly cooling, you’ll surely resonate deeply.
On nights when you’re bewildered by love that’s changing, why not quietly align your heart with this song, alone?