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 unstoppable tears (211–220)
I…atarayo
A heart-stirring song by Atarayo that weaves a tale of bittersweet love and self-transformation.
The encounter with a beloved person changes the way the world looks, vividly portraying the rebirth into a new self.
It delicately expresses the anxiety of nearly losing one’s sense of self, alongside the beauty of a world expanded by loving someone, inviting empathy for the subtle emotions that come with embracing change.
Released in January 2024, this work was selected as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime The Dangers in My Heart.
Its lyrics, which stand with the wavering feelings of adolescence, will deeply resonate with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Say it.Yorushika
A song that delicately portrays the feelings of parting with someone dear.
Woven into its bright melody line are deep sorrow and a sense of loss.
The protagonist’s inability to accept reality is depicted alongside a tender, compassionate longing for the other person, interlacing natural imagery to create a world that evokes empathy.
Included on the album “Natsukusa ga Jama o Suru,” released in June 2017, this piece resonated with many for its piercing expressiveness and beautiful melody, and its music video surpassed 100 million views in July 2021.
It will surely offer gentle comfort to those who have lost someone precious or carry feelings too deep for words.
sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo
A debut work by Yo Hitoto that delicately portrays people’s emotions in our lonely modern society.
Amid an information-saturated daily life, the protagonist searches for a place to belong, gently expressing the warmth of a heart that empathizes with others’ tears and stays by their side.
Its original sound weaves together elements of gospel, R&B, and oriental influences, beautifully harmonizing with her crystal-clear vocals.
Since its release in October 2002, the song reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The following year, it won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a song I sincerely want to share with those struggling with human connections or those who feel the urge to be there for someone.
Love, bonds, farewells, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry nonstop (221–230)
Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya
Kawasaki Takaya’s pure, affectionate vocals seem to speak for the feeling of being in love.
The lyrics, woven with straightforward words, convey a deep yet gentle devotion to a loved one.
Even without money or status, the song candidly expresses the desire to protect someone important.
Released in July 2018 as a track on the album “I believe in you,” it was later selected as the theme song for a LINE drama in December 2020, drawing even more attention.
Don’t miss the beautiful, repeating vibrato in the chorus and the warm tone of the acoustic guitar.
It’s a gem of a love song to listen to when you realize your feelings for someone special—or when you want to confess them.
Even if I’m not there.Hirai Dai
This is a heartwarming ballad themed around a letter to an unborn child.
Carried by gentle piano and strings, Dai Hirai’s clear, pure vocals delicately weave a message of love to the children of the future.
As it conjures images of family, it expresses a profound love and a powerful wish that they live happily even after we are gone—conveying the depth of affection for an irreplaceable presence.
Released digitally in January 2022, the song is included on the album “HOPE / WISH.” Its music video, a collaboration with Tekken’s flipbook-style animation, also garnered a strong response.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to sort out your feelings for someone precious or when you feel anxious about the future.
Wrapped in warm affection, the vocals are sure to soothe your heart.
Prayer FlowerHirai Dai
A gem of a ballad that gently sings of the sorrow of losing a loved one and the gratitude that remains, carried by a tender, warm melody.
Dai Hirai’s ukulele tones and soft vocals gently embrace his boundless love for his late grandmother.
Released as a single in October 2011 and included on the album “ALOHA,” this song is imbued with an eternal sentiment for the person who taught him the strength to live and the meaning of love.
In March 2021, it was featured on the love-song compilation CD series “It Was Surely Love,” winning the hearts of a new generation.
A heartwarming piece that deeply resonates with those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who wish to express their gratitude.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.
Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.
It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.
It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.