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A wonderful, moving song

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.

Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs that pierce the heart and make you cry until the tears won’t stop (251–260)

powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow (Music Video Short ver.)
powder snowRemioromen

If you’re struggling with something in love, definitely give this a listen.

It’s a song by the rock band Remioromen, also known for hits like “March 9,” released in 2005 as their seventh single.

It drew attention when it was featured as an insert song in the drama One Litre of Tears.

Although it’s been a while since its release, it still ranks high on karaoke charts.

So if you want to have a good cry and reset your feelings, singing this one is a solid option.

Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (261–270)

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)
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

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”
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

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO
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

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]
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.

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.

To the futureayaka

Ayaka / To the Future 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.