Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
When things don’t go well—like heartbreak or setbacks in life—and you’re feeling down, don’t you ever feel like having a good cry to get it all out?
On the other hand, some of you might want to play music when celebrating or expressing gratitude to family and friends, or you might be looking for a moving BGM to enrich those unforgettable wedding moments.
In this article, we’ll introduce tear-jerking songs tailored to a variety of situations like these.
From timeless tearjerkers to hidden gems, we’ve selected tracks that will stay close to your heart.
“If feels like it’s singing about me,” “It gently accompanies me when I’m feeling low or overjoyed”—give these tried-and-true songs, filled with such messages, a listen.
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Love, Bonds, Farewells, Cheers… Songs That Make You Cry Until the Tears Won’t Stop (101–110)
Under the same skyTakahashi Yuu
Under the Same Sky, a song by Yu Takahashi, was used as the theme for NHK General’s “Shigoto Hakken-den.” It also drew attention for its music video, which featured footage interviewing an ordinary 64-year-old man.
Takahashi said of the song, “I think ‘Under the Same Sky’ is an anthem for a community of people who aren’t the ones who can do everything.” When things aren’t going well, listening to this song might just bring you to tears.
I can’t turn it into a memory.Mayo Okamoto
It was released in 1998 as Mayo Okamoto’s eighth single.
The song reached No.
9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It poignantly portrays the complex feelings of remembering a former boyfriend—wanting to reach out but being unable to—and the lingering sadness of still being in love.
For those who have been separated from someone they love, the lyrics resonate deeply and can bring you to tears.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly
It was released in 2008 as Superfly’s fourth single and was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).
There’s an anecdote that vocalist Shiho Ochi, in order to truly feel the emotions of a woman giving a bouquet, gave a small bouquet to her own partner before working on the lyrics and recording.
There are many scenes where bouquets are given, but this is one of Superfly’s signature songs, especially often used during bouquet presentations at weddings.
flameLiSA
It’s a tear-jerking rock ballad that sings of the heartbreak of parting with someone dear, and of moving forward while carrying the hope they gave you.
Performed by LiSA, a singer known for many anime songs, it was released in 2020 as her 17th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, it became a hot topic.
The message embedded in the lyrics pairs perfectly with LiSA’s powerful, heart-wringing vocals, making your chest swell with emotion.
Since the piece reflects the film’s story, be sure to enjoy them together.
cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru
Released as a digital single on November 17, 2012.
The theme song for the film Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo.
The war-themed lyrics are heartrending and deeply moving.
The gentle yet grand sound, along with lyrics that evoke the birth of new life and parting from a loved one, is truly touching.
Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry nonstop (111–120)
I miss youHayashibe Satoshi
Released in 2016 as Tomofumi Hayashibe’s debut single.
It’s a song that showcases the vocal prowess worthy of the TV Tokyo “THE Karaoke★Battle” annual champion, and with this track he won the Best New Artist Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a song that brings you to tears when you listen while thinking of someone you long to see.
The Final RiverCHEMISTRY
Released in 2007 as CHEMISTRY’s 22nd single.
This ballad, chosen as the theme song for the Shochiku-distributed film “Zo no Senaka” (The Elephant’s Back), sings of universal love rooted in the theme of death.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to dedicate to someone precious when parting forever or when facing your own final moments.