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.

Playlist

Crying songs, tear-jerker tunes. A request of tears dedicated to you.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu		A song of powerful, heartrending struggles to live
2	I long to see you now.MISIA		A moving masterpiece themed around life and farewell
3	Because you are hereUru		A heartfelt song that expresses feelings for a cherished person
4	Just the two of usRADWIMPS		The Appeal of RADWIMPS’ Soul-Stirring Masterpiece
5	NAOHY		HY’s heartbreak song: a bittersweet, beautiful love
6	himawariMr.Children		Mr. Children: the strength to move forward beyond sorrow
7	The End of Summeraibii karaa		End of summer, wistful tones and emotions
8	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		An inspiring song that cheers on people striving toward their dreams
9	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		A moving song that captures the emotions after a breakup
10	Mikan HeartC&K		A masterpiece that portrays the essence of love with beautiful urgency
11	KanadeSukima Suichi		A touching masterpiece by Sukima Switch
12	not enoughwacci		A song that sings of the pain of love and the resolve to move forward
13	PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism		A highly relatable love song that portrays the bittersweet emotions of love.
14	Happy Endingback number		The pain of a breakup in love that sings of the heart’s wavering
15	tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa		A soul-stirring song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the weight of regret
16	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		A love song that moves hearts at a wedding
17	NonfictionHirai Ken		A masterpiece by Ken Hirai—an inspiring work that sings of the preciousness of life.
18	polar bearBikkeburanka		An up-tempo love song that portrays the bonds of love
19	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s moving song inspired by Doraemon
20	Protect you, love youSambomasutā		A classic song that lively sings about the feelings that protect love
21	balladKetsumeishi		I was moved by Ketsumeishi’s ballad and captivated by their musical style.
22	planetariumOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka's moving love ballad
23	day by dayYoshida Yamada		A song of gratitude to Grandpa and Grandma
24	On the night the world endsChatto Monchī		Chatmonchy’s beautiful hidden gem
25	Daddy, DarlingG-FREAK FACTORY		Singing about the difficulty of living in a peaceful and prosperous era
26	signpostFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s song filled with gratitude for life
27	He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon		A song of empathy and healing for the high school girl who died by suicide
28	one grainwacci		Wacci’s new song, a ballad depicting the decision to part ways
29	Stop this nightJUJU		Expressing the poignancy and sorrow of a forbidden love
30	Tears of MagnoliaSutaadasuto Rebyuu		A bittersweet breakup song, a heart-touching masterpiece by Stardust Revue
31	indigoSukima Suichi		Singing of a bittersweet love and the pain of not being able to meet
32	Close your eyesHirai Ken		A classic song that sings of a poignant longing for a lost love
33	September in FebruaryGOOD ON THE REEL		September melancholy and the pain of heartbreak
34	Whale SongMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving ballad by a rock band popular among young people
35	I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN		DEEN’s debut song, a masterpiece composed by Tetsurō Oda
36	Just… I want to see youEXILE		A timeless, soul-stirring song about the pain of heartbreak
37	1/6000000000Kyūshūdan		Songs from my youth resonate in my heart.
38	AloneMayo Okamoto		A signature song by Mayo Okamoto that sings about the pain of heartbreak.
39	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		Fujifabric’s moving song of youth
40	Violet-colored tearsIwasaki Hiromi		Hiromi Iwasaki, the 1980s hit song 'Playback'
41	Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki		A poignant love ballad that sings of the pain of parting
42	makeupSakurada Junko		Junko Sakurada’s heartbreak song, written by Miyuki Nakajima
43	SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION classic: a heart-shaking tearjerker song
44	Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE		A bittersweet love song that expresses mature emotions
45	SingGoose house		The power of music to make people smile
46	Wherever you areONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK’s masterpiece, moving fame
47	loadTHE toraburyū		A song of grief by a man who has lost someone dear
48	Graduationgagaga supi		A graduation of the heart that severs lingering feelings
49	tear(s)Ketsumeishi		A popular Ketsumeishi song themed around tears
50	GarnetOku Hanako		Oku Hanako's clear, resolute singing voice
51	I want to see you.sawada chikako		Chikaco Sawada’s sad masterpiece: feelings for someone who has passed away
52	tear-coloredNishino Kana		A song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the bittersweetness of memories
53	Love SongGO!GO!7188		A heartwarming hidden gem that brings tears
54	Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai		A gem of a rock ballad that's trending on social media
55	AiHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s moving song and heartfelt vocals
56	fireworksSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		The bittersweetness of a summer romance as fleeting as fireworks
57	wailing in griefKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo’s classic song “I Want to Return to That Day”
58	Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken		A love song that accepts even forgetfulness with a smile
59	Where have the tears gone?Minamino Yoko		Yoko Minamino’s heartbreak song with a bright melody
60	The impact of a single dropUVERworld		Reasons why UVERworld’s songs are supported by young people
61	viviYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s moving debut song
62	Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez		Aqua Timez’s “Ketsui no Asa” is inspiring/gives you courage.
63	Crash/RiseBURNOUT SYNDROMES		Impressions of sad lyrics depicting a boy’s suicide
64	short hairBase Ball Bear		A summer love song, with nostalgia that stands out
65	MessiahCIVILIAN（kaimae wa Lyu:Lyu）		A moving masterpiece that expresses loneliness
66	the way you decideFuzzy Control		The lyrics of fuzzy control resonate with the heart.
67	Letter ~To You~GReeeeN		A moving work whose hidden gem by GReeeeN resonates with the heart
68	From me to youGalileo Galilei		An encouraging song for exam season, a memorable tune
69	J-POPHalf Life		Half-life's singing voice has a sincerity that resonates with the heart.
70	Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme		A timeless masterpiece that sings of love through the four seasons and resonates with the heart
71	DOLLSJanne Da Arc		A love I can’t forget, even though I said goodbye
72	green flashLamp in terren		Monotonous yet hauntingly beautiful music
73	Guard YouMIYAVI		MIYAVI’s soulful guitar that resonates with the heart
74	three mon coinsMOROHA		Supported by young people for its strong style
75	Be…Ms. OOJA		Theme song of the drama about love-NEETs, a moving ballad
76	Cry BabySEAMO		SEAMO’s anime theme song is a moving piece that stays in your heart.
77	Life is beautifulSiM		An inspiring masterpiece from SiM that’s intense yet moving
78	Baby, I love youTEE		A masterpiece whose lyrics and vocals by TEE resonate with the heart
79	Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK		A song of regret and sorrow for a lost love
80	High & LowThe Floor		Finding small happiness and a song that resonates with the heart
81	Night TimeThe fin.		A moving work whose sophisticated music resonates with the heart
82	shineWEAVER		The moving, heart-stirring allure of piano music
83	A beautiful sky comes suddenly one dayWOMCADOLE		I feel a sense of youth in easy-to-listen rock.
84	Tears are about to fall.[Alexandros]		A heartwarming song that portrays gentle feelings of love
85	Flowera flood of circle		A band that stirs the heart with their straightforward vocals
86	starlightasobius		A piece that portrays the beauty of nature and the fragility of light
87	Nishifuji Parkback number		A bittersweet yet uplifting song that sings of memories of love.
88	Orientgo!go!vanillas		An inspiring song that makes you feel the preciousness of a single day
89	sweet spiderindigo la End		Ephemeral emotions evoked by the guitar’s tone
90	Azure Daysplenty		A masterpiece that encourages you when your heart is weak
91	Regretsumika		A bittersweet longing for a cherished person I’ve lost
92	Motherkariyushi 58		A song of deep love and gratitude to my mother
93	A Parting Poemguddō mōningu amerika		The pain of heartbreak and the heart that wishes for the other person's happiness.
94	Happy EndGubbai Fujiyama		Feeling encouraged by the nostalgic melody and voice
95	cicada rainKokoro Ōkushon		A story of summer encounters and farewells, MV series
96	Adolescent RhapsodySambomasutā		A timeless song that resonates with the heart, filled with the emotions of youth
97	A Tearful RequestChekkāzu		A heartbreak song resonates with youth and becomes a big hit
98	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic, a love song
99	Kawaramachi StationDoramachikku Arasuka		A poignant song about parting at a station and lingering attachment
100	Aomori StationMani☆Raba		Chasing dreams and the heartache of feelings drifting apart
101	Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina		Akina Nakamori’s classic song “Naite” was written by Yosui Inoue.
102	MissingKubota Toshinobu		A signature song by Toshinobu Kubota that sings about giving up on love.
103	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		A famous song imbued with Okinawa’s sorrow
104	8films~tobirauchuu konbini		Be captivated by the enchanting tone of the guitar.
105	Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko		The emotions in the theme song that portray the heartrending feelings of an affair
106	I can’t stop this sadnessAnri		A classic song that sings of the sorrow of a love triangle
107	Tears just fall downMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s signature song that sings of sorrow
108	Eyes Are DiamondMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s heartbreak song, a 1983 hit
109	The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s tear-jerking masterpieces and the happiness of making people laugh
110	Love is overŌyō Fifi		Ouyang Feifei’s classic song that sings of a bittersweet adult love
111	There are days when I want to cry.Mariko Nagai		Mariko Nagai’s single “Nakitai Hi mo Aru”
112	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s moving seasonal theme song
113	It hurts.Kiyoshi Ryujin		The inner struggle of a heart swayed by a lover's past
114	spring breezeKumaki Anri		A moving work where seasonal songs stir the heart
115	Nothing at allbakudan jonii		The powerful message of rock and roll moves the heart.
116	Old RookieTakehara Pisutoru		A song that teaches the courage to chase your dreams
117	For example, Hiro—just like you were.Takehara Pisutoru		A heartfelt song filled with feelings for a friend
118	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana		Hana*Hana’s moving theme song and feelings for a grandfather
119	messageaobouzu		A hopeful song about overcoming suffering and finding the light
120	Another OrionFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s hit song “Shards of Glass”
121	Wonderful EverydayTakahashi Yuu		Satirizing our weary modern world and singing of hope
122	Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry		A winter song that sings of a bittersweet longing for someone who has passed away
123	The RunningYkiki Beat		Ykiki Beat classic with an ’80s melody
124	Glamorous Tearful GirlKoizumi Kyoko		A classic song by Kyoko Koizumi that sings of the poignancy of love
125	Jasmine of Tears LOVEKawai Sonoko		Sonoko Kawai’s poignant first-love song becomes a big hit
126	Sorry, tears.Tahara Toshihiko		The heartbreak theme song from Teacher Binbin Story
127	Small palmAqua Timez		A song of gratitude and kindness for a loved one
128	I am Santa Claus.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Thoughts for the Departed and a Resolve for New Love
129	MPRINCESS PRINCESS		A heartbreaking love song that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart and lingering attachment
130	One million “I love you”sRake		A classic song that sings of deep feelings of love.
131	Long goodbyeSHE’S		The piano melody of this heartbreak song resonates with my heart.
132	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		Stay true to yourself and move toward your dreams
133	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A song that made me once again realize how important it is to express gratitude
134	1106WANIMA		A warm song filled with feelings for my grandpa
135	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s moving theme song, Thoughts for a Mother
136	Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu		"I Liked You": an upbeat breakup song becomes a big hit
137	My NoteSukima Suichi		An inspiring and uplifting classic by Sukima Switch
138	Tears Sparkle☆supittsu		A sad farewell song themed around Tanabata
139	Further awayRemioromen		An inspiring, heart-touching song that gives you the courage to never give up.
140	wicked womanNakajima Miyuki		Tearjerker song “Chijō no Hoshi” (Earthly Stars), a smash hit
141	ORIONNakajima Mika		Theme song of 'Ryusei no Kizuna': a love ballad about winter constellations
142	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s heartrending masterpiece, the sorrow of farewell
143	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s heartrending classic: the pain of a broken heart
144	Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken		Ken Hirai and Ayase's LUMIX commercial song
145	Why Don’t You Play in Hell?Hoshino Gen		An inspiring work by Gen Hoshino, who overcame life and death and achieved a rebirth
146	Because I love you to death.jikyū hassen en		A love song by the unit of Shinagawa, Endo, and Yajima
147	White LoversKuwata Keisuke		A winter classic song, a gentle melody that resonates with the heart
148	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic hit: a chivalrous, macho-spirited kayō song
149	Don’t cry.Tachi Hiroshi		Hiroshi Tachi’s hit song “Wakare” becomes a big hit.
150	Endless JourneyMr.Children		It’s an inspiring, heartfelt main theme song that resonates with you.
151	Old Fashioned Love SongRAG FAIR		A song by RAG FAIR that portrays friendship between men and women and budding romantic feelings
152	TearsX JAPAN		X JAPAN’s moving tribute ballad to a father
153	A Story of Two PeopleYU-KI		A masterpiece that moves the heart with YUKI’s lyrics and voice
154	Tsubasaandāgurafu		A song of parting and reunion among companions pursuing their dreams
155	I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho		Miho’s wedding support song, a TV drama theme song
156	SAD SONG feat. No No Girls FINALISTSchanmina		Stirring songs give people’s dreams a push
157	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		NHK morning drama theme song, Sayaka Yamamoto’s song of courage
158	Song for…HY		A classic song that sings of the sadness of not being able to meet and the aching feelings it brings
159	me me sheRADWIMPS		I was moved by RADWIMPS’s touching masterpiece.
160	NANIMONONakata Yasutaka		Yasutaka Nakata’s collaboration track with Kenshi Yonezu
161	sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo's debut song, with its unique singing, moved me.
162	Dear dropsTani Yuuki		A foundational song from my high school days, pouring emotions into the vocals
163	Capsuleaiko		A moving song where kindness and bittersweetness intertwine
164	Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI		A wedding song by EXILE ATSUSHI themed around love
165	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
166	I want to see you.yuzu		Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father
167	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
168	Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki		A ballad that portrays the poignancy of heartbreak and love
169	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		A gentle ballad that evokes Aoi Teshima’s hometown
170	crescent moonayaka		Singing about the bittersweetness and optimism of a long-distance relationship
171	How to Love AfterimagesTele		A ballad singing of Tele’s longing for a lost love
172	Maplesupittsu		A gem-like ballad by Spitz that poignantly sings of lost feelings
173	motherHikawa Kiyoshi		Hikawa Kiyoshi’s hit song that sings of love and gratitude to his mother
174	AnswerIkuta Rira		An encouraging song that gives you the courage to keep walking toward the future, even while you're unsure
175	I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu		Moving songs and music that resonate with the heart
176	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A love song that delicately expresses feelings through depictions of nature
177	First LoveUtada Hikaru		A love ballad by Hikaru Utada
178	Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya		A heartwarming song that contrasts cosmic love with everyday love
179	A Farewell SongHilcrhyme		A love song filled with feelings for someone special
180	signJUJU		JUJU delivers a heartfelt song as a movie theme
181	leap day personRADWIMPS		A heartbreaking love song by RADWIMPS
182	Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa		ReoNa’s despair-themed songs are comforting to the heart.
183	LetterSHE’S		A warm rock track, “Letter,” by SHE’S
184	passing by each otherSoala		A song that expresses the bittersweet feelings of heartbreak in an R&B style
185	If you call it loveUru		Portraying bonds that support each other even in hardship
186	Until the day I can no longer rememberback number		A poignant song about parting with a loved one
187	Changing seasonsren		Express the pain of heartbreak in lyrics that people can empathize with
188	fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu		A peace-aspiring ballad by Southern All Stars
189	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		A healing song that helps you face your true feelings
190	LeoYuuri		A poignant classic depicting the farewell and bond with a beloved dog, “Leo”
191	lingering loveKitatani Ruki		Introduction to love songs for heartbroken men
192	aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu		An inspiring theme song from a film depicting wartime
193	dearestFukuyama Masaharu		A ballad that sings of devoted love for a beloved person
194	White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s famous song that sings about gratitude to his parents
195	Homeayaka		Ayaka’s “Home” is a gentle song about thinking of someone far away.
196	HappinessOnda Masanori		A poignant song reflecting on memories of heartbreak
197	Sea of LamentationShiroyama Mitsuki		A love song crying in the rough waves, a yearning for reunion