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, partings, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry nonstop (111–120)
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
SMAP is a group that remains extremely popular even today.
Their signature song, “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” (The Only Flower in the World), is loved widely across ages and genders.
Released in 2003 as SMAP’s 35th single, it’s a number that gently slips into anyone’s heart, from children to adults.
It’s a tender song that soothes the soul, and its lyrics especially resonate with people who work hard every day or feel worn out by a competitive society.
It’s a track that helps you reset and feel ready to move forward again.
JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This song uses a rhythm you often hear, called a “rock ballad.” It’s a beat that naturally sinks into your heart.
It’s the ninth single by THE YELLOW MONKEY, and the other A-side is “Tactics,” famous as the ending theme of Rurouni Kenshin.
Even if there’s someone out there trying to spread jam over the whole world and eat it, remember that even that person was once a child.
When you feel like you can’t forgive someone, listen to this song—and try to forgive them.
Get OverDream
This gem of a song by Dream, released in November 2001, is filled with a strong will and determination to overcome life’s doubts and setbacks.
Its powerful message—walking toward the future even when the road is difficult, while believing in and supporting each other—leaves a lasting impression.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Hikaru no Go, it garnered wide support from listeners, reaching No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s music that stays by your side when you’re feeling lost or anxious, when you want to feel the bond with someone important, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
With its melodious sound, this work resonates as a heartfelt anthem of encouragement—be sure to give it a listen.
night walkELAIZA
A deeply moving song by ELAIZA that tugs at your heart.
It begins with the loneliness of walking alone through the city at night, moves through the lingering ache after a breakup, and scatters in a story that ultimately sketches hope for tomorrow.
It portrays the difficulty and indecision of seeking love, making it a work that gently resonates with listeners.
Released in April 2024, the track features a distinctive sound that fuses diverse genres like jazz and rock.
Perfect for nighttime drives or strolls, it’s sure to gently embrace anyone troubled by love.
ELAIZA’s richly expressive vocals will surely soothe you.
Time machineSEKAI NO OWARI
A poignant song by SEKAI NO OWARI that expresses the yearning to reclaim a lost love.
Released in March 2024, the track is included on the album “Nautilus” and was also selected as the theme song for the film “Red Riding Hood, On the Way She Meets a Corpse.” Through a story about boarding a time machine to erase past memories, it confronts the pain of heartbreak and depicts how that experience leads to personal growth.
It delicately portrays the emotional shifts from the emptiness after losing someone important to recognizing the value of that encounter, making it a song that offers solace to anyone who has experienced a broken heart.
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda’s “Niji,” chosen as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Stand By Me 2, is a song that expresses gratitude born from the everyday.
Released in November 2020, it also marks the first time Suda appeared in the music video for one of his own songs as an actor.
The film-like music video became a hot topic for being “deeply moving.” It’s a touching masterpiece that conveys thanks and a message of “let’s keep walking together” to the people who shape your life—your partner, family, and friends.
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
As someone from the Showa era, I’m encouraged to see Showa-era stars still active in the Reiwa era.
“Anata ni Aete Yokatta” is Kyoko Koizumi’s 32nd single and became a million seller.
The lyrics, written to her late father, are filled with heartrending words that bring tears to your eyes naturally.
It’s a song I recommend when you’re struggling with the pain of parting from someone.