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

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.

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.

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

The True Nature of Tears

An impressive song by SUPER BEAVER that portrays the complex emotions within the human heart.

It delicately depicts the contradictory feelings of wanting someone to notice you while carrying thoughts you can’t tell anyone, as well as the wavering between your true self and the self you present in society.

Its story-like development—exploring one’s essence through tears—is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

This piece was written as the theme song for the NHK General TV drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” airing from January 2025.

In the drama starring Misako Renbutsu, the song appears as a track that holds significant meaning for the protagonist, and Daisei Kido’s performance of the song within the show is another highlight.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re troubled or uncertain, or when you want to face yourself.

The warm vocals and melody, which feel as if they’re by your side, will surely give you strength.

Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū

Tears of Magnolia

A love ballad that sings of the profound sense of loss after losing the lover to whom eternal love was vowed.

Using the magnolia—the flower that symbolizes spring—as its motif, it beautifully depicts warm memories with a beloved person and the loneliness felt after their loss.

It was included as the first track on Stardust Revue’s album “SOLA,” released in March 1993, and was later released as a single, selling 150,000 copies.

In 2005, an acoustic version was produced for a Nikka Whisky commercial.

For those who have lost someone precious or who recall bittersweet memories in the spring season, this work will resonate deeply with your heart.

Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai

Harukamirai – Where Does Our Sorrow Go (Official Music Video)

Harukamirai’s soul-stirring cries, rooted in their unique worldview, strike straight to the heart.

While reflecting the anxieties and chaos of society, the song carries a strong will to keep moving forward and a desire to protect cherished companions.

Conveying the importance of holding on to hope even amid struggle, this work fuses punk rock with emotional elements to deliver a powerful sound that shakes the listener.

Included on the album “Living Is About Holding Onto a Hope as Small as a Booger,” released in February 2025, it marks a new frontier for a band with a track record that includes theme and insert songs for the film “Rin.” This is a message song that resonates with everyone who, despite feeling loneliness and anxiety, still wants to face forward and live.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.

The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.

Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.

The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.

I want to see you.sawada chikako

I want to see you – Chikaco Sawada

A poignant ballad marked by Chikaco Sawada’s gentle vocals that tenderly embrace the deep sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching hope of reunion.

From beautiful memories with a lover to a sudden parting—and the powerful love that still remains in the heart—are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.

Released in June 1990, this track was single-cut from the album “I miss you.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Tonight” and in a Nisshin Flour Mills commercial, gradually gaining attention and ultimately becoming a million-seller.

For those who have lost someone precious in life or who hold someone far away in their thoughts, it will surely resonate deeply.