[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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[So moving it makes you cry] Heart-wrenchingly poignant and sad songs (81–90)
fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu
Since their debut, Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band that epitomizes summer in the J-pop scene, have continued to captivate fans.
“Hotaru,” included on their 54th single “Peace and Highlight,” was chosen as the theme song for the film The Eternal Zero.
Its lyrics, evoking farewells with loved ones and prayers for peace, are sure to resonate with many listeners on a personal level.
With a gentle yet heartrending message and melody that stirs the soul, it’s a ballad that feels sentimental while still conveying a sense of positivity.
AitaiKato Miria
This is a poignant number that resonates deeply when you’re in unrequited love, in a relationship, or dealing with heartbreak.
The painful lyrics depicting a love that won’t be returned are woven into a gentle melody.
“Aitai,” a song about the agony of wanting to see someone but being unable to, was released in 2009.
Miliyah Kato, a singer-songwriter from Aichi Prefecture, began her career in 2004 and has released numerous hit songs.
This track, too, is an eternal masterpiece that expresses the desire to be loved by just one special person.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
Sung by Ai Otsuka, Planetarium was released in 2005 as her 10th single and has been loved by many people for years.
This work is a sorrowful ballad about parting with a beloved person you can no longer meet.
From the tenderly aching vocals in the opening verse to the chorus where the feeling of “I want to see you” overflows, it’s hard not to tear up.
It’s also a song that carries a sense of nostalgia, so it may bring back memories of past love.
Let this song move you to tears and help lighten your heart, even just a little.
Thinking of youMatsushita Kohei
Amid the many heart-stirring songs that take heartbreak and parting as their themes, Kohei Matsushita’s “Kimi o Omou” stands out.
The gentle piano melody and the poignant strings strike a chord, quietly staying close to the listener’s heart.
The song speaks of that bittersweet feeling of being more than friends but not quite lovers.
Its delicacy resonates with many people’s experiences and evokes empathy in those carrying a quiet ache.
His warm voice sinks deep into the heart, offering a soft source of strength in difficult times.
It’s truly a recommended track for releasing your emotions.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s ballad, with its poignant melody highlighted by gentle piano tones, beautifully depicts the transience of life and the feelings we hold for those dear to us.
Written as the theme song for the film “She Is Me in Spring,” released in March 2024, the piece powerfully speaks to the importance of letting go—of parting from a loved one and releasing attachment.
It delicately weaves the subtle shifts of the heart over time, posing a quiet resolve to face life’s impermanence.
The music video, directed by Tomokazu Yamada, symbolically explores the essence of love and life, with Fujii Kaze playing a dual role as both an elderly man and a young man.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to calmly reflect on yourself or immerse yourself in memories with someone special.
Dear Sir/Madam,Hakubi
This is a song by Hakubi, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto, that feels like reading aloud a letter that will never reach a loved one.
It’s said to depict member Katagiri’s feelings for her late grandmother, and the sadness and gratitude come through with striking realism.
The way the words are packed in, almost like spoken narration, evokes unadorned feelings being laid bare and emotions that refuse to neatly settle.
While the piano-centered sound underscores the sorrow and leaves a strong impression, the gradual build in the arrangement also conveys a resolve to move forward while holding those memories close.
[Tear-Jerking] Heart-wrenchingly poignant and sad songs (91–100)
Will (suicide note).Cocco
A song that evokes a crushing, profound sorrow and aching wistfulness.
Featured on the debut album “Bougainvillea,” this piece stands out for lyrics that read like a final message to someone dearly loved.
The words, imbued with thoughts for those left behind, stir the hearts of listeners.
Released in May 1997, this track is surely one of Cocco’s signature works, cherished by many.
It’s a soul-stirring number for those who’ve experienced parting from someone important, or for moments when you want to confront the emotions within yourself.