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 that pierce the heart and make you cry until the tears won’t stop (251–260)
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.
BetelgeuseYuuri
This moving song, inspired by stars shining in the night sky, celebrates the bonds and friendships between people.
It gently portrays overlapping feelings and moments of closeness, impressively expressing the importance of memories that last forever.
Yuuri’s warm vocals and the grand melody resonate together, creating a work that deeply touches listeners’ hearts.
Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH,” and surpassed 500 million streams in October 2023.
It’s a perfect track for those seeking a way to mend or say goodbye to a friend, or for anyone who wants to deepen their connection with someone important.
Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai
Singer-songwriter Ai Tomioka is active across various fields, from posting songs on social media to performing street shows.
Her track “Good-bye-bye,” released on September 20, 2023, is a striking number featuring a slightly smoky vocal tone and edgy voice breaks that heighten the sense of longing.
The lyrics convey a mismatch between her feelings and the other person’s, yet they overflow with the aching pull that persists anyway.
It’s a lyrical pop tune with a relaxed beat and an emotionally resonant melody that feels wonderfully soothing.
AitaiKato Miria
A great song to listen to when you want a good cry over love is “Aitai.” The lyrics fit many romantic situations, like when your feelings are deepening in unrequited love or when you’re heartbroken and can’t stop thinking about the other person.
As the title suggests, there are times when you just can’t stand how much you want to see the one you love.
Give it a listen in those moments.
The bittersweet melody and lyrics are sure to move you to tears.
When things are tough, it’s better not to hold back your tears—be honest with your feelings and listen.
remainingYoshizawa Kayoko
A song brimming with Kayoko Yoshizawa’s signature style, produced by Tomohiko Gondo, who has also worked on tracks for AAA and Kyoko Koizumi.
The lyrics—“Even after the breakup, it feels like you’re still everywhere, and every day I keep thinking about you”—offer a painfully relatable resonance for anyone heartbroken.
It might help you feel refreshed if you listen when you just want a good cry.
Since its 2017 release, the video’s views have surpassed 5 million and continue to grow steadily.
The music video, which finds a certain beauty in a cluttered cityscape, is a must-see—perfect even if you’re short on time!
GarnetOku Hanako
This is the fourth single by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, who has produced and performed numerous commercial jingles and drew attention for her street performances featuring keyboard-and-vocal renditions.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, the track is a soothing number with a warm vocal and a clear, piano-centered arrangement.
Its lyrics portray a love that ended before the feelings could be conveyed, a story that will likely make many people reminisce about their youth.
It’s a nostalgic piece that prompts reflection on the boundary between romance and friendship.
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.