[2026] Tear-jerking songs trending on YouTube Shorts. Recommended J-pop

Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Suzume feat. Toaka [Official Lyric Video]

This is a song by RADWIMPS featuring female singer Tamaaki, who was discovered by Yojiro Noda at an audition.

From the opening hum, her delicate and mystical voice instantly grips your heart.

Released in September 2022 as the theme song for the film Suzume, the work drew major attention as the third collaboration with director Makoto Shinkai.

Alongside the soundtrack co-composed with film composer Kazuma Jinnouchi, it won the 46th Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.

The soundscape, depicting the strength to look forward while carrying a sense of loss, has a powerful impact—even when heard briefly in a short video, it can be deeply moving.

It’s a wonderful song to listen to when you want to shed tears alone on a quiet night or when you’re seeking emotional cleansing.

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

A medium-tempo track as fresh as a spring breeze, vividly capturing the confusion and racing heartbeat at the start of love—those sweet and tangy moments.

It’s a solo song by Lila Ikuta, who also performs as ikura, the vocalist of the music duo YOASOBI, released in April 2025.

Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: New Zealand Edition,” this marks her third collaboration with the series.

The song portrays someone carrying past wounds and timid feelings who, encouraged by the other’s presence, tries to take a step forward.

Why not give it a listen when you’re ready to begin a new romance or on a night when you’re thinking of someone special?

It’s fine for now.Kotoha

It's fine now. / MIMI [Covered by Kotoha]

It’s a truly lovely song, with gentle piano tones and lyrics that feel like they affirm everything.

The original track by MIMI, active as a Vocaloid producer, is covered here by Kotoha from the HoneyWorks project.

It speaks softly to the inner conflict of putting on a brave face while secretly wanting to vent to someone, reassuring you, “It’s okay to be just as you are.” Kotoha’s transparent, pure vocals further highlight the warmth of the piece.

The original song was released in December 2022 and was later included on MIMI’s album “When You Hold the Night.” I recommend this track for nights when you’re worn out from work or studying and want to spend some quiet time alone.

You might find your tightly wound heart suddenly feel lighter—and tears may slip out before you know it.

ROSEHANA

HANA / ROSE -Music Video-

An inspiring number that sings of loving yourself and the will to live strong even in difficult times.

It’s the major-label debut by HANA, the girl group born from the audition show “No No Girls” produced by Chanmina, released in April 2025.

Like a flower that blooms beautifully despite its thorns, the lyrics—depicting the resolve to accept scars and past pain without hiding them and move forward—pierce the heart.

A track that could be called both their origin and their magnum opus, from the group that won Best New Artist at the 67th Japan Record Awards at the end of 2025.

When you feel overwhelmed by the harshness of reality, just hearing it will gently push you forward, telling you, “It’s okay to be yourself.”

Only a single voicerokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Just One Voice” / Rokudenashi – One Voice [Official Music Video]

Rather than pushing you from behind, it gently stays by your side… An emotional piece where an indescribable kindness slowly seeps through.

This song by Rokudenashi, a music project active online, was released in December 2021, with lyrics and composition by Vocaloid producer MIMI.

Contrary to the light, airy piano tone, the lyrics portray someone living earnestly while hiding their true urge to cry and instead forcing a smile—carrying that inner conflict.

Having garnered widespread empathy—its music video has been viewed over 100 million times—this is a message song that reassures you: it’s okay not to push yourself.

You’ll find yourself wanting to listen to it on nights when your heart feels tired.

JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru

Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada – JANE DOE

This is a gemlike ballad marking a miraculous collaboration between two of Japan’s foremost creators, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.

It’s included on a double A-side single released in September 2025.

Written specifically as the ending theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, the piece was crafted to echo the film’s dark, heartrending story.

Utada’s vocals—described by Yonezu as “blowing through like the wind”—intertwine with a melody that evokes pain and memory, tightening your chest as you listen.

It’s perfect not only for savoring the lingering afterglow of the movie, but also for those quiet nights when you want to shed tears alone.

Love songMarushii

marsi – Love Song (Official Music Video)

Marcy, a band active under the concept of “singing your memories,” has been resonating especially with young listeners.

Their September 2023 digital release, “Love Song,” is a ballad that expresses words of love—so shy they’re hard to say out loud—in a straightforward way.

Ukyo Yoshida’s gently conversational vocals and the warm sound may fill listeners’ hearts with happiness.

Also included on the album “Candle,” the track topped Billboard JAPAN’s newcomer chart, JAPAN Heatseekers Songs, for eight consecutive weeks.

It’s a moving song we hope you’ll listen to when you feel the preciousness of everyday moments with a loved one, or when you want to reaffirm pure feelings.