[YouTube Shorts] Moving & Tearjerking! Popular Songs That Touch the Heart

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

A solo number by Lila Ikuta—who also shines as the vocalist of YOASOBI—that portrays the confusion and flutter of the moment love begins.

Released in April 2025 as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: New Zealand Edition,” this marks her third contribution to the series.

The song delicately traces a heart that had grown timid about falling in love, finding courage through someone’s straightforward feelings and resolving to take a sure first step.

Its refreshing melody, like a gentle spring breeze nudging you forward, and Ikuta’s crystal-clear vocals are immensely soothing.

If you’re feeling a bit afraid to step into a new romance, why not entrust your heart to this kind, encouraging anthem?

PUZZLEShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu “PUZZLE” Music Video

This is a moving song crafted by Shota Shimizu, featuring a grand gospel chorus that resonates deep in your chest.

After returning his base to his hometown of Osaka, he created this piece together with students from his alma mater, singing about how each person’s fragments of dreams come together to shape a single future.

Many listeners will likely find themselves nodding along to the message that even if you’re imperfect, you can become stronger with your companions.

Released in October 2024, the track surpassed 100 million streams by September 2025 despite having no tie-in.

It is also included on the album “Pulsatilla cernua.” It’s a heartwarming number that’s perfect for reaffirming the bonds with friends who share your dreams.

Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Summer Shadow” Official Music Video

This song, crafted by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, features a breezy band ensemble and crystal-clear harmonies that are truly beautiful.

The lyrics, imbued with a sense of late summer, portray a feeling that pins unspoken excitement and hesitation on “the fault of summer,” a sentiment that is sure to move many listeners with its poignancy.

You’ll be drawn into a world that gently captures the fleeting loneliness of growing up.

Released in August 2025 as the song for the “Kirin Gogo no Kocha” commercial, it also drew attention as the band’s first summer-themed work in about seven years.

Put it on during a sentimental night, and it will surely stay close to your heart.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

This track, which also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime “Chi: About the Movement of the Earth,” marks Sakanakution’s first new song in about three years.

Released in February 2025, it has captured many hearts, topping Billboard JAPAN’s Rising Songs chart, among other achievements.

From the lyrics, you can feel a powerful will—like that of a solitary “kaiju”—to pursue the truth even if it means defying common sense.

The interplay between a pure passion to explore precisely because the world is unfinished, and the poignant helplessness that the cry may never reach anyone, tightens the listener’s chest.

For those struggling toward a big goal or trying to stay true to their convictions, this is surely a song that will become a source of strength.

Christmas songback number

back number – Christmas Song (full)

This is one of back number’s signature winter songs, memorable for its beautiful melody that seems to resonate across the winter night sky.

Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” It’s now cherished as a classic winter tune.

The song’s greatest charm lies in its lyrics, which straightforwardly express a deepening affection for someone special.

You can vividly picture the protagonist overflowing with the desire to see the one they love, and it makes your heart ache as you listen.

Interestingly, aside from the title, it doesn’t use any words tied to a specific day, giving it a universal love song quality that truly resonates.

Also included on the album “Chandelier,” this heartwarming track is perfect for a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone important.

PrologueUru

"Prologue" FULL ver.

A song by Uru that you’ll want to listen to on an autumn night when you long for someone’s warmth.

Even knowing it’s not allowed, your feelings for the other person keep growing, and that helpless cry of the heart really grips you, doesn’t it? The contrast between her crystal-clear voice and the electric guitar that stirs up unease and urgency vividly paints the beginning of a forbidden love.

Released as a single in December 2018, the track also drew attention as the theme song for the drama Chuugaku Seito Nikki starring Kasumi Arimura.

Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending world, it resonated deeply with many listeners.

Later included on the album Orion Blue, this beautiful ballad is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A song that overlays the bittersweet feelings of a late-summer romance with the fleeting nature of fireworks.

Born from the collaboration between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in August 2017 as the theme song for an animated film and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Its music video has surpassed 500 million views on YouTube, making it a beloved track both in Japan and abroad.

It’s also a popular BGM choice on YouTube Shorts.

Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in summer memories or the ache of love, and for anyone who wishes to be moved by beautiful melodies and lyrics.

Be sure to listen during fireworks season.