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 so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (151–160)
Who…Hamasaki Ayumi
It’s a song included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s second original album, “LOVEppears,” released in 1999.
Used as the theme song for the film “Moon,” it is often performed at the end of Ayumi Hamasaki’s concerts.
It seems to be sung with fans, family, and loved ones in mind, making it a masterpiece through which you can directly feel Ayumi Hamasaki’s emotions.
Sleeping BeautySEKAI NO OWARI
A gem-like ballad that gently wraps the grief and sense of loss from losing someone precious in a fairy-tale worldview.
On a morning after waking, the inability to accept the reality that a loved one is no longer there is woven into a fantastical story.
With SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature dreamy melody and tender vocals that stay close to profound sorrow, the song delivers true comfort to listeners’ hearts.
Released in July 2012, it was also used in a commercial for NTT Plala.
When you can’t face the memory of a painful farewell or want to sort out your feelings for someone dear, this song will gently embrace your heart.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
A gem of a love song written by Fujii Kaze as the theme for the film “If April Could Come, She Would,” starring Takeru Satoh.
With delicate lyrics and an elegant piano melody, it portrays unconditional devotion to a loved one and the inner change that comes from letting go of attachment.
While it aligns with the film’s story, it also strongly reflects Fujii Kaze’s philosophical worldview, and his gentle vocals carry the message deep into the heart.
Released in March 2024, this work stands as one of Fujii Kaze’s signature songs amid his energetic activities at home and abroad.
It’s sure to resonate with those who wish to keep thinking of someone they love forever, as well as those striving to overcome a farewell with someone dear.
Why feat. Emimi NodaTakase Tōya
A heartbreak ballad distinguished by a beautiful, soul-stirring melody.
Toya Takase’s emotional vocals and Emi Noda’s clear voice brilliantly capture the bittersweet feelings after a breakup.
Released digitally in January 2022 and included on the album “13-gatsu 1-nichi” (The First Day of the 13th Month), this song resonated with many listeners who relate to the joys of love and the pain of parting, drawing attention on charts across Asia.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels the loneliness that deepens at night or the emptiness of losing someone dear.
Song for…HY
“Song for…” carries a simple yet powerful message: the longing to see the one you love.
Created by HY, a mixture band from Okinawa, it was included on their 2004 album TRUNK.
The song depicts a heartwarming love story, capturing moments when genuine feelings overflow.
Natsukone Izumi’s soulful vocals over the slow tempo convey a straightforward, earnest love.
It’s a track that resonates with many shades of romance—whether you’re mutually in love but can’t easily meet, or struggling with a long-distance relationship.
leap day personRADWIMPS
This is a poignant song by RADWIMPS, written as the theme for the film “The Last 10 Years.” It portrays the fragility of spending limited time with a loved one and highlights the preciousness of life.
The feelings of helplessness and inner conflict—wanting to do something for the person you love but being unable to—are deeply moving.
It is a song that stands with those grieving the loss of someone dear, while inspiring hope for a reunion.
Love, bonds, farewell, cheers… songs that pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (161–170)
Kasane AiSoala
Soala’s translucent vocals gently embrace the feelings that pass each other by and the wish to reunite, delicately expressing subtle emotions.
Released in January 2025 as a track on the EP “Bluem,” the song is distinguished by its piano-centered, gentle sound and memorable melodic lines.
The music video—featuring model Ryoka Orita and actor Yusei Ito—has also garnered attention, spreading waves of empathy across social media.
It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who carries a “what if”—wondering how things might have been if you’d met in a different way.