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, tear-jerker tracks. A request of tears dedicated to you (31–40)
indigoSukima Suichi
It’s a song lamenting an unfulfilled love.
You’re in love, you want to see them, but you can’t.
If it hurts this much, I wish these feelings would just disappear—then even the longing to see them would be gone.
It sings of the pain of love.
A hidden gem by Sukima Switch, overshadowed by their more popular songs.
September in FebruaryGOOD ON THE REEL
September usually means the ninth month, but I’ve heard it can also mean “melancholy.” It describes someone who broke up with their lover in February and, even knowing they won’t come back, still can’t let go.
The screaming, almost shouted vocals leave a strong impression.
Whale SongMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a song by a rock band that’s rapidly gaining popularity among young people.
The band isn’t very well known yet, but the melody is a kind of ballad you’ve never quite heard before, and despite being a rock band, it’s such a moving masterpiece that it’ll leave you in tears.
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN
While being DEEN’s debut song, this track also became their biggest hit, drawing attention for being composed by Tetsuro Oda.
Its clear, airy vocals and soaring high notes soothe listeners.
With its gentle melody line, it’s a song that brings out honest, heartfelt feelings.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
Released as EXILE’s 19th single, this song features lyrics written by vocalist SHUN for what became his final track with the group.
Gaining attention for foregoing dance to focus solely on vocal performance, it conveys the aching feeling of a breakup—showing that men feel the same overwhelming longing and heartbreak.
Crying songs, tearjerker tracks. A tearful request dedicated to you (41–50).
1/6000000000Kyūshūdan
Back when I was a student, a friend recommended this song to me.
When I listened to it, the straightforward lyrics and easy-to-catch melody felt like they were giving me a strong push in the middle of my unrequited crush, and it really gave me courage.
Even now, when I listen to this song, it brings back memories of that time.
AloneMayo Okamoto
This is Mayo Okamoto’s third single, released in November 1996.
Said to be based on her own real-life experience, it’s a heartbreak song and an unrestrained cry of grief.
Following a run of upbeat, message-driven songs—“TOMORROW” and “FOREVER”—it marked a new direction for her.
It peaked at No.
10 on the Oricon charts and sold 478,000 copies.