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)
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.
Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (261–270)
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.
AzaleaYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the theme for the Netflix drama “Sayonara no Tsuzuki.” Reflecting the story of meeting a stranger who has inherited the heart of a lost lover, it portrays the sorrow of losing someone beloved and the hope that life carries on nonetheless.
Blending delicate piano melodies with electronic elements in a modern ballad style, it was released in November 2024.
In step with the drama’s narrative, it centers on themes of inherited memories and unwavering love, resonating with the sentiment embodied in the white azalea’s language of flowers: “fulfilled love.” It is a gentle companion for those who have lost someone dear or wish to heal the pain of heartbreak.
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.
To the futureayaka
The song that has been attracting attention after being featured in an NTT Docomo commercial is Mirai e (To the Future).
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Ayaka.
She’s also a mother of two, and it’s said she wrote this piece based on the feelings she experienced while raising her children.
Because it sings of hope for the future and love for the children who will live in that future, parents in particular may find it especially relatable.
It’s also recommended for those looking for a love song that isn’t about romance.
gardenFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s song gently embraces the impermanence of life and the bonds between people through the changing seasons.
His soft, gospel-tinged vocals and piano tones sink deeply into the heart.
The track is included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” released in March 2022, and was also featured in NatureLab’s “Laundrin” TV commercial.
Its beautiful music video, filmed at ACAO FOREST in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, also drew attention.
This gem of a song offers solace to those who, even while carrying sadness and loneliness, wish to keep looking forward.
Take some time alone to really listen—you may find yourself moved to tears.
If ISekitori Hana
Singer-songwriter Hana Sekitori, who garnered attention after performing acoustic guitar and vocals, released “Moshimo Boku ni” in 2017—a song about what messages she would give if she had a child.
Over a warm, band-driven sound and a melody that resonates, her words unfold as if speaking directly to you, conveying what she hopes one would cherish amid the many twists and turns of life.
Those messages may feel like encouragement addressed to you personally.
Paired with her supple, beautiful voice, the song gently sinks into your heart.
Lend an ear to the words that stay close to your fears and loneliness.
