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 ballads, tear-jerker songs. A tearful request dedicated to you (181–190)
Maplesupittsu
A gem of a ballad that weaves a fleeting yet beautiful farewell scene with a clear, transparent melody.
Released by Spitz in July 1998 from the album “Fake Fur,” this song tenderly sings of longing for what has been lost.
It portrays the heartache that gradually softens over time and the strength to keep looking forward, carried by a warm, gentle performance.
Beginning with its use in the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Over Time” and continuing through to the network’s 2022 series “silent,” it has colored many stories.
It’s a song to listen to when your heart is deeply wounded or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.
Masamune Kusano’s tender, comforting vocals are sure to become a source of support for your heart.
Crying songs, tear-jerker tracks. A tearful request dedicated to you (191–200)
What do you want to become?Rozarīna
Facing the true feelings that we’re prone to forget as we repeat our days, “Nani ni Naritakute,” was released in 2020 by singer-songwriter Rozarina, known for her work on numerous anime songs.
It portrays the raw emotions of having dreams and goals and working hard, yet losing sight of what you truly want to do.
The rhythmic vocals carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar are sure to soothe a tired heart.
It’s a song filled with a gentle message that tells you it’s okay to let your tears fall sometimes.
LeoYuuri
Yuuri’s “Leo” is a song about parting with a beloved dog who was part of the family.
Released in 2022 on his debut album “Ichi,” it drew attention as a real tearjerker.
The lyrics are written from the dog’s perspective and overflow with deep love for the owner.
They depict days spent walking and playing together, as well as the loneliness during a time when they were a bit apart.
It reminds us that every single moment spent with someone important is precious and irreplaceable.
If you have a pet, you’ll surely relate—so please give it a listen!
lingering loveKitatani Ruki
Ruki Kitadani, who also made waves with the 2023 Pocari Sweat commercial song “Ao ga Mau,” is a singer-songwriter born in 2003 from Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.
His song “Koinokori” is one I especially want heartbroken men to hear.
The lyrics are like a treasure box of memories, mentioning places like the convenience store they often went to together and the path where they took walks on dates.
Even amid the lingering attachment, you can still feel the love he has for her.
It’s a tearjerker for anyone who can’t switch their feelings off right away—an absolute must-listen.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A melody that gently embraces a bittersweet farewell and unforgettable memories.
The lingering sweetness of young love woven by a 16-year-old Hikaru Utada seeps into the listener’s heart.
While accepting a past romance as a cherished memory, it also conveys a forward-looking strength to take a new step.
Included on the album “First Love,” released in March 1999, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Joken,” which began airing in April of the same year.
Set against a warm arrangement of piano and strings, even the breaths in the vocal performance resonate as part of the story.
This gem of a song offers solace when parting with someone dear or when you wish to bring closure to a past relationship.
Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya
This is a heartwarming song that contrasts the grandeur of the universe’s history with the small acts of love found in everyday life.
It is one of Takaya Kawasaki’s signature works, included on the 2018 album “I believe in you.” After its initial release on an indie label, it was reissued by Victor Entertainment.
The song portrays the preciousness of each moment with a loved one, expressing a straightforward, sincere devotion to someone dear.
The gentle tone of the acoustic guitar and the tender vocals resonate as if softly enveloping those feelings.
It’s a piece that supports anyone reflecting on relationships with irreplaceable people—partners, family, and others—and feeling a deep sense of love.
AnswerIkuta Rira
Lila Ikuta delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad that gently stays close to the anxieties and uncertainties of one’s future.
Amid a grand, dramatic arrangement, its warm melody stands out—offering the courage to take a step forward toward tomorrow while facing loneliness and pain.
It’s an encouraging song that softly nudges those who are unsure of their path.
Released in March 2021, the piece was also featured as the CM song for Tokio Marine Nichido Anshin Life’s “Disability Income Insurance,” resonating with many listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-evoking track we hope those searching for their own way, or spending days without clear answers, will hear.