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

Akasaka Rainy Nighthayabusa

Hayabusa “Akasaka Rainy Night” MUSIC VIDEO

Set against the rain-soaked streets of Akasaka, this song portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman heartbroken in love.

Released by Hayabusa in February 2024, it was composed by mood-kayō maestro Masayoshi Tsuruoka and crafted into a classic shuffle-style mood ballad.

The lyrics vividly depict a woman walking alone in the rain and memories of a love now past.

This is the group’s second single since moving to Crown Records, and it’s drawing attention as a song that symbolizes a new step for Hayabusa.

Highly recommended for anyone troubled by love and secretly longing for someone deep in their heart.

Rain at the harbor is a woman’s tearsmizuki mai

Mizuki Mai / A Woman’s Tears Are the Port’s Rain

Mizuki Mai is an enka singer from Echigawa Town, Aichi District, Shiga Prefecture (now Aishō Town), and she is also known as the wife of Kenta Kobashi, a professional wrestler with Pro Wrestling NOAH.

This song won the Grand Prix at the 31st Masato Fujita Memorial New Popular Song Works Competition and is a dramatic kayō-enka piece.

Two TearsSambomasutā

Two Tears — Sambomaster

While keeping in step with a lively rhythm, it belts out Sambo Master’s signature soul music, infused with a burning passion to convey love for her through song.

It’s a track I recommend for a summer vacation romance.

Tear SongOka Midori

Midori Oka “Namida Uta” Music Video

A signature song by Midori Oka that portrays the emotions of a woman living in the city.

Her lustrous voice weaves a richly expressive performance, while lyrics that lay bare the loneliness and anxiety deep within the heart resonate powerfully with listeners.

From the chill of the rain the moment you step off the subway to the solitude of sipping a can of beer by the window, it vividly captures the delicate feelings of a woman making her way in an urban world.

Released in February 2024, the track climbed high on the enka charts.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy night or during your commute home.

If you’re feeling lost in life, hearing it might just make your heart feel a little lighter.

Ghost’s Tearsieiri reo

Leo Ieiri – Ghost’s Tears [Web-only Release]

It’s a song included on Leo Ieiri’s 11th single, “Hello To The World,” released in 2016.

It was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” during the February–March 2016 broadcasts, and the song centers on the theme of pure childhood.

A trailer video using footage from Ieiri’s early childhood was also produced and released exclusively online.

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.

Cape of TearsHarumi Kurenai

Harumi Kurenai / Cape of Tears

Kurenai Harumi, who is active as an enka singer, is from Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture.

She is also a singer-songwriter, which is rare in the enka world.

She made her major-label debut in 2009 with “Namida no Misaki.” She has hosted a regular radio program in Fukushima Prefecture since 2002 and in Tokyo since 2010.