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