[So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
A feeling like your chest is being tightly squeezed…
Heartbreak, parting from someone precious, the daily pains…
Here are some heartbreaking songs that will bring tears to your eyes when you listen.
We’ve gathered tracks for those who want to have a good cry or be comforted by songs that share the same feelings.
From timeless classics to the latest releases, we’re covering a wide range—so be sure to read to the end.
Even with sad songs, finding ones you can relate to helps you realize you’re not alone.
By the time you finish listening, your sadness and heartache might just turn a little more positive.
Let these wistful songs guide you, and allow yourself to honestly let out your weakness and pain as your emotions lead you.
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[Makes you cry] Heart-wrenchingly poignant and sad songs (71–80)
me me sheRADWIMPS
A track included on the 2006 album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” it’s been many years since its release, yet it remains one of the band’s most beloved songs.
The title “me me she” plays on the Japanese word for being ‘effeminate’ or ‘weak-willed,’ and the lyrics depict a man who can’t let go of his former lover.
Many listeners, regardless of gender, can likely relate to the feelings expressed in this song.
The conversational singing style also showcases Yojiro Noda’s distinctive touch and leaves a strong impression.
OrangeSMAP
A song often called one of SMAP’s hidden gems is Orange, a bittersweet ballad about heartbreak.
Released in 2000 as the B-side to the smash-hit single Lion Heart, it consistently ranks high in fan polls.
It’s also been covered by many artists, including aiko and Kazumasa Oda.
The lyrics tell the story of a couple who still love each other but choose to part for each other’s sake, and listening to it is truly heart-wrenching.
If you’re hurting from a breakup, this song is perfect for you—definitely give it a listen!
THE OVERUVERworld
A song by UVERworld, a six-member rock band from Shiga Prefecture, chosen as the theme for the TV drama Black Board of Education (Kuro no Onna Kyōshi).
Beginning with acoustic guitar and vocals, the meticulously crafted arrangement shifts from a ballad into a rock number as it heads into the chorus.
Its wistful lyrics and melody often move listeners to tears at live shows, and vocalist TAKUYA∞ has even become so emotional that he’s slipped up on the lyrics—making this a truly special track for both the band and its fans.
[So moving it makes you cry] Heart-wrenchingly poignant and sad songs (81–90)
Narratageadieu
A nostalgic heartbreak song that brings back memories of a love from long ago.
It’s a track released under the name adieu by Moka Kamishiraishi, who is also active as an actress.
Released in 2017, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same title.
The lyrics and music were written by Yojiro Noda, the frontman of the rock band RADWIMPS.
Its clear, shimmering sound—driven by piano and strings—is especially striking.
It pairs beautifully with Kamishiraishi’s gentle vocals and really sinks in.
Give it a listen when you find yourself feeling lonely as you think back on a past romance.
afterimageflumpool
Released in 2010, this is flumpool’s third single.
It was chosen as the theme song for season 2 of the drama Bloody Monday, starring Haruma Miura.
The song expresses the aching sorrow of carrying the memory of a beloved person in one’s heart.
Just thinking about losing someone precious is frightening, isn’t it?
Unrequited lovemiwa
This is a single released in 2012 by singer-songwriter miwa.
Although miwa is strongly associated with playing the guitar, she performs on the piano in this song.
As suggested by the title and the opening lyrics, it’s a straightforward ballad that delicately portrays the feelings and state of unrequited love.
The emphasis on the piano tone gives the sound a certain softness.
It depicts the inner turmoil anyone who has experienced unrequited love can relate to—the fear of changing the relationship keeps the feelings unspoken, even as those feelings grow stronger with each passing day.
Tokyokinoko teikoku
As the lyrics say, it’s a lonely song that feels like spending a Sunday all by yourself.
It tenderly sings about the small hurts and moments of happiness found in everyday life.
Though it’s titled “Tokyo,” I hope people who don’t live in Tokyo will listen to it too.