Crying songs, tear-jerker tunes. A request of tears dedicated to you.
When you hear the phrase “tearjerker song,” what kind of track comes to mind?
A heartbreaking breakup song, a love song that sings of earnest devotion, a piece that tells a moving story, an anthem that cheers on life, a song about loss…
Even just listing them like this shows how many kinds of tearjerker songs there are, doesn’t it?
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of masterpieces that shake us listeners to the core—songs you can’t hear without tears.
We’ve picked out all kinds of genres and moods—above all, songs that will make you cry.
If you find one that resonates with your experiences and feelings, it’s sure to become a treasured song for you.
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- Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
Crying songs, tearjerker tunes. A tearful request dedicated to you (141–150)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is Eigo Kawashima’s signature song, released in 1976.
Even after his passing, it has been covered by many artists and remains a classic.
At the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, his close friend Takao Horiuchi delivered a passionate performance of the song, moving many viewers.
It’s a quintessentially him piece—a bold, masculine masterpiece that reflects his love of alcohol.
Don’t cry.Tachi Hiroshi
A single released in 1984 by actor Hiroshi Tachi.
With mature lyrics depicting a breakup, a catchy melody, and an easy-to-remember chorus, it became a hit, peaking at No.
8 on the Oricon chart and selling 250,000 copies.
It was also performed at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Endless JourneyMr.Children
This song was chosen as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna” and became a million-selling hit.
The lyrics are very uplifting, and when you’re feeling timid, troubled, or defeated, listening to it resonates in a strange way.
It’s an emotional song that, while acknowledging life isn’t all sunshine, gives you strength and makes you want to keep going.
Crying songs, tear-jerker tunes. A tearful request dedicated to you (151–160)
Old Fashioned Love SongRAG FAIR
RAG FAIR was a popular a cappella group.
This song also made waves at the time for its collaboration with the famous guitarist Kotaro Oshio.
It sings about friendship between men and women, but while the man harbors romantic feelings, the woman seems to see him only as a friend.
It conveys the feelings of a man who truly wants to be her boyfriend but can’t bring himself to say it.
TearsX JAPAN
This is X JAPAN’s smash-hit ballad that reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It was later revealed that YOSHIKI, a member of the band who wrote the lyrics, composed them in memory of his late father.
Toshi’s soaring vocals and the poignant melody, true to the song’s title, bring tears to the eyes.
It’s a truly beautiful ballad.
A Story of Two PeopleYU-KI
This is a song for which YUKI wrote the lyrics from a male perspective.
By including concrete proper nouns like “Lawson” and “onigiri,” it becomes an easy-to-listen track.
The build-up in the chorus conveys a rising swell of emotion.
YUKI’s clear, expansive vocals are enough to bring you to tears.
Tsubasaandāgurafu
Many of you might find this nostalgic.
It’s the signature song that catapulted Under Graph to fame.
The song is about leaving one’s hometown, reluctantly but determinedly, in order to make a dream come true.
It includes a promise to reunite and laugh together once their dreams have been realized—a song that conveys strong resolve.