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 so moving they make you cry nonstop (121–130)
The Night of Howling at the Red MoonGO!GO!7188
When you hear “a song that makes you cry,” you probably imagine a ballad or something mid-tempo, but Night Howling at the Crimson Moon is driving hard rock.
I can’t even tell what the lyrics are about, yet it’s a mysterious song that naturally brings me to tears when I listen to it.
GO!GO!7188 has already disbanded, but they left us with this masterpiece.
When you feel like you don’t want to go on living, this is my number one recommendation.
I think it’ll help you smile and think, “Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Released in 1975, this song became a huge hit and is still widely covered today.
Its sorrowful lyrics tell of a lover who moves to the city, grows up, and has a change of heart—so moving that they can bring you to tears.
Though it’s a slightly older song, it hasn’t lost its charm and still feels fresh to listen to.
A Sunlit SlopeDo As Infinity
When you’re going through something tough in life, I want you to listen to Do As Infinity’s “Hi no Ataru Sakamichi” (“The Sunlit Hill Road”).
The vocalist, Tomiko Van, has a clear, translucent voice that can lift you up when you’re feeling down! The acoustic guitar and string arrangements are also beautiful and match her voice perfectly—another great thing about this song.
The lyrics, which suggest that hope awaits after the uphill trials we face, are so moving they might bring you to tears.
HOMEAnjura Aki
It’s a message song that makes you think of your hometown.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter and pianist Angela Aki, released in 2005 as her major-label debut single.
Perhaps because the lyrics are so down-to-earth amid the grand sound arrangement, it feels deeply moving.
When you’ve been pushing forward with everything you’ve got and suddenly feel a pang of loneliness—give this song a listen.
Love, bonds, goodbye, encouragement... songs that pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (131–140)
Rising SunMiyamoto Hiroji
Hiroji Miyamoto’s intensely macho singing voice is incredibly captivating.
This song, too, is quintessentially him—gritty rock ’n’ roll.
The story in the lyrics can be taken as a pep talk to a self who’s smoldering on the sidelines, unable to become the hero he imagined.
Like the sun that sets and rises every day, it makes you think, “I’m going to keep trying, too!” When someone encourages you like this, your tears start to well up before you know it.
It reminds you that tear-jerkers aren’t just ballads—there are songs this fiery and intense that can move you to tears, too.
motherHayashi Asuka
This is Asuka Hayashi’s second single, released in 2003.
It’s a powerful song delivered with a strong voice, yet at the time she was still in junior high school.
Even when living away from her parents, she is grateful for everything, starting with being born as her mother’s child.
Mikan HeartC&K
C&K’s “Mikan Heart” is a bittersweet yet warm melody that strikes the heart.
Its emotive piano and soothing vocals gently wrap around the ache of unrequited love.
The song portrays a love you can’t give up on, resonating deeply with listeners.
If you’re struggling with one-sided feelings, hearing this track may feel as if it speaks for your heart.
It’s also perfect for times when you’re feeling down or want to cheer someone on.
With each emotionally stirring line, you might even be moved to tears.
It’s a highly recommended classic that gives you the courage to face heartbreak and life’s challenges.