[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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[Tearjerkers] Songs so heartrending and sorrowful they make your chest tighten (141–150)
ALONEB’z
This is a ballad that lets you fully immerse yourself in its heartrending lyrics and melody.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Hotel Woman,” it was released in October 1991 and drew a huge response, including topping the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks.
It portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, while starting a new life, finds themselves remembering a former lover—something that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or parting from someone dear.
At B’z concerts, it’s apparently customary to end by singing it together with the audience.
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Say You Love Me,” starring Etsushi Toyokawa and Takako Tokiwa.
Released in 1995, it is DREAMS COME TRUE’s 18th single.
The song expresses the feelings of being unable to honestly convey one’s love.
Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE
Released in 2004 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 31st single.
It was written as the theme song for the TBS drama “A Sand Castle.” Even knowing it’s an unrequited love, even understanding in her head that it’s a relationship that will never be, this song is filled with the bittersweet feelings of a woman who can’t help but think of the one she loves.
[Tearjerker] Songs so heartbreaking and sorrowful they make your chest tighten (151–160)
Sad KissDREAMS COME TRUE
Sad Kiss by DREAMS COME TRUE is a song that captures the pain of heartbreak—the feeling of “This isn’t how it was supposed to be.” It’s included on their debut album, DREAMS COME TRUE, which bears the band’s name, and it was also used as an insert song in the film A Bouquet for Yamada Baba.
Even a single kiss, given to help with letting go, becomes unforgettable and only deepens the pain.
Human hearts are complicated; it’s not so easy to give up or neatly move on.
Perhaps only time can truly heal us.
Take your time listening closely to Sad Kiss, and slowly find your way to recovery.
Lovers AgainEXILE
This song portrays the heartache of a man searching for traces of his lover in a winter city.
The wistful sound and the two vocalists’ voices—combining melancholy and sensuality—have surely left a deep impression on many listeners.
Fans praise it as “always soothing, no matter when I listen” and say they “strongly relate to the lyrics,” earning it overwhelming popularity.
Regrets like “If I could go back, I’d never let you go” are something anyone might experience.
All the more reason to cherish the person you love before you, as much as you possibly can.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
This is a gem of a ballad by EXILE, released in 2005.
The chorus phrase—which is also the song’s title—pairs with the sweet vocals to create a hook you’ll remember after just one listen.
Four years later, in 2009, the song was featured in a commercial for Meiji’s snack “Fran.” Many of you may remember it.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
“Time goes by” is the eighth single by Every Little Thing, released in 1998.
Already a popular group at the time, Every Little Thing released it as a ballad, and it became a massive hit that is considered one of their signature songs.
Its appeal lies in the poignant lyrics depicting a breakup and the clear, pure voice of vocalist Kaori Mochida.