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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- 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, tear-jerker tunes. A request of tears dedicated to you (11–20)
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
Lyrics about a lover who’s gone inevitably bring tears to my eyes.
The relentless spiral of regrets—“Should I have done this?” “Shouldn’t I have done that?”—is something anyone who’s suffered a painful breakup has likely experienced.
The song’s unique atmosphere and the scenes painted with a steady rhythm leave an unforgettable impact after just one listen.
Together with its animated music video and the answer song ‘Koibito Shikkaku’ (Disqualified Lover), this is a track I want you to savor to the fullest.
Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu
This song is also popular as a wedding classic.
It was even used as a theme song in the wedding magazine Zexy’s TV commercials.
It’s perfect as a proposal to the person you’re going to marry and build a family with from now on! If you think, “They want to create a family with me like this,” there’s no doubt your tears will flow with joy.
And not only that—you can also express to the parents and grandparents who raised you that you want to build a family like theirs.
It’s a song that will move not just the couple getting married, but their entire families to tears.
NonfictionHirai Ken
This song was written as the theme for the TV drama “Little Giant.” Thanks to the song’s own excellence and its status as the theme of a popular drama, many people have probably heard it at least once.
The song deals with the subject of human life.
Ken Hirai has said he composed it while thinking about a close friend who took their own life.
Grounded in that experience, the piece carries profoundly real emotion that many will strongly relate to.
It’s truly a masterpiece—one that makes you want to revisit it regularly.
polar bearBikkeburanka
It’s a cheerful song, sung with a spring in its step over a brisk, rhythmic piano.
As the up-tempo beat takes shape, it sketches a relationship between two lovers—what they receive from each other and what they can do for one another.
“How much have I received from you?” “What can I do when you’re hurting?” Their tender interactions are heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the beauty of love.
It’s a song I especially hope those who’ve been hurt by love will listen to at least once.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
A massive hit by Motohiro Hata, used as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and featured in many commercials.
Hata’s simple, warm singing voice and the sound of his guitar resonated especially with adults, even more than with children.
The title “Himawari” (Sunflower) is said to evoke Doraemon; keeping that in mind as you read the lyrics can change the way you look at Doraemon.
Although Doraemon doesn’t exist in real life, everyone has someone they wish could be by their side the way Doraemon is for Nobita.
Listening while thinking of that person will bring warm tears to your eyes.
Protect you, love youSambomasutā
This is a song that was chosen as an ending theme for the TV anime BLEACH.
It’s a love song built with Sambomaster’s signature lively band sound and powerful vocals.
The song consistently conveys a straightforward feeling of “loving someone endlessly and truly wanting to do anything for them.” Just by listening, you can feel a gentle warmth that makes you happy.
Like its title, “Kimi o Mamotte, Kimi o Aishite” (“Protect You, Love You”), it’s a song of love and resolve that boldly declares the desire to protect the one you love and make them happy.
Crying songs, tear-jerker anthems. A tearful request dedicated to you (21–30)
balladKetsumeishi
I’ve always loved Ketsumeishi and had the impression they mostly have songs that hype up live shows, so the title “Ballad” really caught my attention.
I thought of them as a high-energy act at the time and wondered skeptically if a song like that would live up to its title, but once I listened, that wasn’t the case at all.
This track made me fall in love with ballads.