A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
When your heart is weary or wounded, you may find yourself wanting to listen to moving songs and sink into a pensive mood.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of poignant and touching Japanese songs that are perfect for just such moments.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
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- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
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- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
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- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
Masterpieces of bittersweet, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (91–100)
MelodyTamaki Kōji

On a comedic variety show, they were chosen by professionals as the best singer.
This is the song that really made me feel that.
The song says that living together as a couple is the greatest happiness, and nothing else is needed.
Whenever this song plays, there’s always at least one person nearby who ends up in tears.
Instead of goodbyeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko

This song is the one that Yuki Saori and Shoko Yasuda, the sister duo, sing at the end of their concerts when they visit schools and similar venues.
The lyrics and music were written by Hiroko Taniyama.
The song is also performed as a choral piece at graduation ceremonies.
Its message is that even if we are separated, you and I still exist in the same world together.
Masterpieces of poignant, moving songs. Recommended popular tracks (101–110)
dearestFukuyama Masaharu

This is a ballad about parting with someone precious.
Released under KOH+, the duo of Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki, it was later self-covered by Fukuyama.
The song portrays a pure and heartrending love in which one sacrifices oneself to protect a beloved.
Released in October 2008, it gained attention as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X.” It was also used in a commercial for Toshiba’s REGZA LCD TVs.
This is a recommended track for those grieving the loss of someone dear or those who wish to give everything for the one they love.
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki’s ever-youthful singing voice is captivating.
His “Kurismasu Kyaroru no Koro ni wa” is a classic that always plays on street corners during the Christmas season.
His sweet, husky voice is irresistible.
The song is also known as the theme for a popular TV drama.
filamentUru

This is a song whose transparent vocals and deep emotion strike straight to the heart.
Released in April 2025, it’s a ballad created as the theme song for the film “When It’s So Delicious You Cry.” Written and composed by Uru herself, it features an evocative, delicate arrangement woven from piano and guitar.
The layered, gentle melody carries a palpable strength—an urge to keep the light of hope burning.
Please listen while thinking of someone precious to you.
The Regent’s Downfallsadamasashi
Speaking of Masashi Sada, he used to be teased by Tamori as a gloomy singer-songwriter.
The lyrics of “Kampaku Sengen” were unique, and it’s well known that women’s groups lodged complaints about the song’s content.
In this song, he’s initially mocked by his wife and children, but he wraps it up by saying that’s fine—as long as you’re happy.
SWEET 19 BLUESAmuro Namie

Namie Amuro, who retired to much regret, has many hit songs and masterpieces.
Among them, “SWEET 19 BLUES” is an early track.
Be sure to check out the music video where she performs this song in her later years—the appeal is different in a great way.



