Masterpieces with the theme of “tears.” A roundup of moving tracks that tug at the heartstrings.

Tears of TomorrowKoseki Mai

Mai Koseki “Namida no Tomorrow” Promotion Edit

This song delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak.

It depicts a scene where the breakup is announced at a memorable café, resonating deeply with listeners.

With a sound reminiscent of 1990s J-pop, the track is regarded by fans as a “great song” and is included on the single “Namida no Tomorrow / Yes! Hare Yohō,” released in April 2024.

It’s a warm, comforting piece that stays close to the hearts of those who’ve been heartbroken and offers encouragement.

Give it a listen when you feel like crying.

Tears aren’t made only of sadness.mūnraidāzu

Tears aren’t made only from sadness. — moonriders

Drummer Tetsuro Kashibuchi was from Tochigi Prefecture.

He passed away at 63 in 2013 during treatment for esophageal cancer.

In addition to performing, he provided numerous songs for idol singers and had especially close ties with artists such as Seri Ishikawa and Yukiko Okada.

Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke

Rainy Amusement Park

This is a ballad that poignantly depicts memories of a couple’s date at an amusement park and their bittersweet parting.

It weaves together contrasting scenes: a past moment of riding a carousel in the rain, and the present, where the narrator catches sight of a former lover with shorter hair, looking happy.

The lingering attachment the protagonist still feels, along with a quiet resolve to face forward and live on, gently presses on the heart.

A warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano highlights the story-rich lyrics.

Included on Sasuke’s album “Smile,” the piece was released in October 2004, reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts, sold over 450,000 copies, and was certified Platinum.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day, especially when you’re trying to heal the pain of a broken heart.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.

The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.

Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.

16 on the Oricon chart.

It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.

A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.

On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.

Dear dropsTani Yuuki

Dear drops

A tender, soaring vocal that sinks into your heart—this is an emotionally rich ballad by Tani Yuuki.

Based on the first song he wrote in high school, it represents the very origin of his journey as a singer-songwriter.

The lyrics, which layer subtle emotional nuances onto the motif of “tears,” gently touch the listener’s heartstrings and awaken a poignant ache.

Released as a digital single in June 2025, it also serves as an advance track from the album Navigator, released the same month.

Give it a listen when you want to quietly immerse yourself in music or spend a night reflecting deeply on your own feelings.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” — from the DVD released on March 2: ‘Mayo Okamoto 20th Anniversary Tour ~Your Only Story Is Here~’

Believing that every tear makes you stronger, this debut song by Mayo Okamoto gives you a gentle push to live boldly toward tomorrow.

Many people have surely found their hearts saved by this song when they were feeling down or facing something sad.

Released in May 1995, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance.” The way it calms the heart and fosters a positive outlook likely comes not only from its poignant lyrics and tender, enveloping vocals, but also from the beauty of its melody.

Give it a listen when you need encouragement.

ElfAdo

[Ado] Elf

A sweeping tale that evokes the legendary elves known for their solitude is vividly brought to life by Ado’s overwhelming vocal power.

Amid an endless journey, the story of a soul that faces itself and overcomes conflict and anguish is deeply moving.

Set to air from January 2025 as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Who Saw the Peacock Dance?”, it resonates perfectly with the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.

Embracing the loneliness and sorrow felt along the path of struggle, this work becomes a song that speaks to the hearts of all who find the courage to move forward.