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

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Released by Tota in February 2023, this piece is a moving track included on the album “oidaki.” Since a short version was posted in June 2021, it has spread explosively across social media.

It sings of a bittersweet prayer to a beloved person in heaven and a resolve to keep facing forward in this world, woven together with images of nature.

Its profound message—striving to hold onto hope for tomorrow even amid the sorrow of loss—is conveyed through a clear, transparent voice and delicate sound.

It’s an inspiring song I especially recommend for nights when you’re grappling with the emptiness of losing someone dear or when you’re seeking music that stays close to the heart.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

An emotionally moving ballad that gently sings of the bittersweet sorrow of farewells felt in seasons of graduation and new departures, while holding hope for reunion.

Crafted by Dai Hirai, a singer-songwriter who captivates many listeners with a comfortable, surf music–inspired sound.

Released digitally in February 2015, it was also included on the acclaimed May release “Slow & Easy,” and remains enduringly popular.

It delicately portrays feelings that shift alongside everyday scenes and the changing seasons, with the calm tones of acoustic guitar heightening the emotional mood.

It will quietly accompany moments when you part from someone important—such as school graduation ceremonies or other life milestones.

LeoYuuri

Yuuri 'Leo' Official Music Video

Singer-songwriter Yuuri, who captivates countless listeners with his overwhelming vocal prowess.

Featured on the album “Ichi,” released in January 2022, this work is a moving ballad that portrays the bond between a dog and its owner.

Told from the perspective of a beloved dog, the everyday moments—and the poignant farewell that eventually arrives—resonate deeply alongside Yuuri’s richly emotive vocals.

Following the release of the music video, views surged rapidly, and by August of the same year, total streams surpassed 100 million.

It’s a warm song that comforts not only dog lovers but anyone who cherishes time with their loved ones.

A masterpiece that teaches us the preciousness of everyday life—something we often realize only after it’s gone—and one that’s impossible to hear without tears.

lulu.Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「lulu.」Official Music Video

Released in January 2026 as if heralding the dawn of Phase 3, this work was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Its grand sound, which conveys the sense of loss felt along the journey and the relentless flow of time that continues nonetheless, gently stands by the listener’s heart.

It blends Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature catchiness with a heart-wrenching poignancy, the kind that loosens your tear ducts even when you just catch a snippet in a short video.

The rollout—linking a live broadcast right before release to the MV premiere—also became a hot topic, leaving a strong impression of a new step for the band.

It’s a song that softly nudges you forward on lonely nights when sadness wells up out of nowhere, or when you need the courage to face ahead.

Love is litrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “The Flame of Love” / Rokudenashi – The Flame of Love [Official Music Video]

This work by the music project Rokudenashi is a single released digitally in February 2023.

It’s a ballad born from a collaboration between vocalist Ninjin and Vocaloid producer MIMI, characterized by a simple, piano-centered arrangement.

The song portrays a world in which the presence of someone brings warmth to a heart burdened by loneliness and anxiety, and Ninjin’s delicate vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

It became a major topic on social media platforms like TikTok and was performed at a special live show in December.

It’s a gentle track that quietly stays by your side when you feel tired or find life difficult in your day-to-day.

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

Fujii Kaze, whose profound musicality and unpretentious personality draw intense attention at home and abroad.

This work is a sublime ballad whose gentle piano timbre and conversational vocals seep into the heart.

It conveys a philosophical message that letting go of attachment lightens the heart and brings a sense of fulfillment, soothing the listener’s soul.

Written as the theme song for the film “If She Blooms in April,” released in March 2024, the track also drew attention as his first love song.

It was performed at Nissan Stadium in August of the same year, moving many fans to tears—truly a masterpiece.

Recommended for quiet nights when you want to pause and reflect on yourself, or gently face the emotions deep within your heart.

AnswerIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta 'Answer' Official Music Video

This song was crafted by Lila Ikuta, who also shines as the vocalist of the music duo YOASOBI.

Its clear piano and translucent vocals gently embrace the resolve to keep moving forward, even while carrying anxiety and inner conflict.

Released in March 2021, it was written as the theme song for Tokio Marine Nichido Anshin Life’s “Anshin Disability Income Insurance” commercial.

It was later included on the album “Sketch.” The video was filmed in Chicago, where she spent her childhood, and its warm scenery also drew attention.

When you face obstacles in a challenge or lose confidence, this piece quietly stays by your side.

If you catch it in a short video, you might just find tears welling up before you know it.