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 make you cry uncontrollably (11–20)
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
From the very intro, this song “Tabako” hits deep and amplifies that sadness.
It’s one of Koresawa’s signature tracks and a highly popular breakup song.
When you’re heartbroken, everything you see and do brings you back to memories of happier times.
This song captures those breakup “relatables” and the tender, aching feelings so vividly you can almost touch them.
If you’ve gone through a breakup, it’s hard to listen without tears.
It poignantly sings of regret and the feelings you only realize after the relationship ends.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
A gemlike love song woven from evanescent yet beautiful poetic expressions and a crystal-clear singing voice.
While skillfully depicting scenes from nature, it delicately conveys the feelings of thinking about someone dear.
When Tota posted it on social media in June 2021, it quickly sparked a huge response.
In December 2022, it was selected as the tie-in song for a Pure Gummy web commercial, and the full version was released in February of the following year.
Recommended for those who want to face everyday reality while feeling the sorrow of losing someone precious and the strength to keep looking forward.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
From the intro—and Hata Motohiro’s vocals that bring you to tears—this song “Himawari no Yakusoku” is unforgettable.
It’s also famous for being the theme song of the movie “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It feels like speaking gently to someone dear: a song that makes you cry yet warms your heart.
It inspires you to do something for others—especially to stay by the side of someone important and make them happy.
It’s the perfect song to send to a boyfriend, girlfriend, or irreplaceable friend when they’re feeling down.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
This is a song written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu and sung by Masaki Suda as the theme for the drama “Perfect World.” The lyrics express that, although we sometimes regret the abilities we were born with or the fate we ended up carrying, we realize that without them, we wouldn’t have the happiness we feel now.
Surely, many people have felt, “I’m happy now because I went through that pain back then!”
365 daysMr.Children
It’s a song that expresses deep love for a partner, spouse, or someone dear.
The gentle melody holds the feeling of thinking about the other person every day, all 365 days, and it warms the heart.
It’s a straightforward love song that moves you to tears, which is why it’s also popular as a wedding song.
When this song plays at a wedding reception, many guests are moved to tears.
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
When life’s hardships weigh you down, Naotaro Moriyama’s “If Living Is Painful” becomes a powerful support.
The lyrics by poet Okanemachi Kaito evoke deep empathy and won the Lyricist Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards.
This ballad delivers gentleness and hope when your heart feels close to breaking.
Its message—focusing less on others and more on your inner self, cherishing the spark of hope that lies within—can give you strength.
When the burden of living feels heavy, listen to Moriyama’s clear, transparent voice and take slow, steady breaths.
Love, Bonds, Farewells, Cheers… Songs That Make You Cry So Much the Tears Won’t Stop (21–30)
These moving masterpieces are sure to reach your heart!!
How did you like the 20 songs we’ve introduced so far? Some of you might already have been moved to tears. But we’re not done yet! We still have plenty more popular tear-jerkers recommended by our editorial team. We’re introducing songs across various themes, so we’re sure you’ll find something that resonates with your heart.
horizonback number
The song “Suiheisen” by back number is a cheer anthem dedicated to students whose dreams and goals were clouded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gently pushing forward everyone facing trials, the track warmly embraces hearts that are battling anxiety and striving to move ahead.
When you listen to it in times of sadness or loneliness, it can etch itself into your heart as a beautiful memory and connect you to hope for the future.
back number’s tender yet powerful vocals will become a strength for living from here on.
Think of it as a song that stays close like a good-luck charm—be sure to check it out.