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, farewell, cheers… songs that move you to tears and pierce the heart (1–10)
March 9Remioromen
It’s one of Remioromen’s signature songs that became a breakout hit after being chosen as the theme for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” Although it was released in 2004, it’s still beloved today as a classic graduation song! Interestingly, it was originally written for the wedding of a mutual friend of the band members.
When you read the lyrics, you can see a portrayal of the bonds of friendship.
At the same time, the words also apply to the ties between lovers or teammates, making it a beautiful ballad that listeners can connect with in their own ways.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “Soranji” is so moving it brings tears to your eyes.
Its emotive melody and clear, airy vocals gently seep into the listener’s heart.
It’s a song that triggers flashbacks of parting from someone precious and of sweet memories from the past, letting you feel tenderness and nostalgia while giving you a positive push.
Especially recommended for those who want to get through a tough time or express their gratitude.
“Soranji” shines a light on the depths of your heart and can be the key to releasing the emotions you’re holding inside.
aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu
The theme song of the film “If Only I Could Meet You Again on the Hill Where That Flower Blooms,” in which the protagonist time-travels to a wartime era.
Masaharu Fukuyama wrote this piece specifically for the movie.
In composing the song, he read the script, watched the film, and wrote the lyrics from the perspective of a kamikaze pilot, one of the characters.
Listening to the song with that background in mind, you’re overwhelmed by an emotion too great to fully take in.
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a grand-scale track that lets you reflect on caring for others, love, and even happiness and peace.
Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs so moving they make you cry uncontrollably (11–20)
A tear-jerking song that keeps going, staying close to your feelings
The 10 songs I introduced earlier were all the kind that make your chest tighten as you listen, weren’t they? From here on, there are more songs that feel like they’re “singing about me,” and ones whose lyrics make it easy to imagine the story they depict. Now then, let’s begin!
budKobukuro
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this one of the most tear-jerking songs of the 2000s.
It’s one of Kobukuro’s signature tracks and a hit released in 2007.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” it’s a piece many will find resonates with the drama’s storyline.
With Kobukuro’s trademark, gently enveloping and dramatic progression, and lyrics that spur on dreams and offer encouragement, it sinks deeply into the heart.
Pay attention to the ending as well—the lingering afterglow feels as if the feelings truly reach you.
There’s also a story that Kobuchi wrote the lyrics with his mother in mind, making the emotions infused with the bond between parent and child all the more moving.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
It’s a cheer song by the hugely popular SEKAI NO OWARI.
The lyrics, written from the perspective of cheering on someone close to you, really hit you in the heart, don’t they? Lines that feel like they’re saying, “Because I’m right here watching you work hard, I understand your struggles and efforts,” are truly moving—you’ll probably be brought to tears.
Give it a listen when you’re doing your best but not seeing results, or when you want to take a little break.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi
One of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature songs and among his most popular, “Eine Kleine” is included on his 2014 album YANKEE.
It conveys feelings of lacking self-confidence and being unable to accept oneself, and it will likely resonate deeply with anyone who tends to take a negative view of everything.
In particular, for those who can’t express their feelings to someone they like or who are experiencing unrequited love, this song can feel piercingly painful.
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
It’s a song that went viral online, with many listeners identifying with the lyrics.
The lyrics mainly contrast a former lover with the current one, but little by little, feelings for the former lover overflow.
Those unadorned, honest emotions are what people say really hit home and move them to tears.
It’s a guaranteed tearjerker that’s been featured not only on social media like YouTube and Twitter, but also on television.