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 pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (261–270)
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.
catDISH//
This is a moving song that overlays the end of a bittersweet love with the ephemeral freedom of a cat.
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, it beautifully harmonizes with DISH//’s musical style to create a true masterpiece.
Released in August 2017 as the B-side to the single “We Did It,” it was later featured in 2020 as an insert song in the drama “Cat.” That same year, it received the Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and was included on the album “X.” Embracing listeners who have experienced parting with someone dear, this heartwarming track gently holds universal feelings of loss and lingering attachment, while nurturing the strength to keep looking forward.
To the futureKiroro
A signature song by Kiroro, known for its heartwarming melody and relatable lyrics.
Released in February 2002, this track is often performed at life’s milestones such as graduation and weddings, continuing to offer comfort to many.
It was also featured as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” earning love across generations.
Chiharu Tamashiro’s pure vocals and Ayano Kinjo’s warm piano resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect song for those who have experienced heartbreak or setbacks, or who want to express gratitude to someone important.
The lyrics, filled with hope for the future, will surely give you a gentle push forward.
I miss youRADWIMPS
March 11 is a day that Japanese people will never forget.
Just two days after the earthquake and tsunami, RADWIMPS launched a relief fund project and has contributed to the recovery of eastern Japan.
As part of their efforts, they have released a song on YouTube every year on March 11.
In 2021, ten years after the disaster, they released an album titled “2+1+3+1+1 = 10 years 10 songs,” compiling the tracks they had released up to that point.
The 2021 song “Aitai” (“I Miss You”) expresses feelings for those who have passed away—feelings everyone holds deep in their hearts but cannot bring themselves to say aloud.
The words overflow with emotion to the point that simply speaking them brings one to tears; this song speaks on behalf of those unspoken feelings.
Love, bonds, partings, cheers… songs so moving they bring unstoppable tears to your eyes (271–280)
existenceTENSONG
This is a heart-stirring song by TENSONG that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2020, the track was created by guitarist Takuman based on his real-life experience, carefully depicting the emotions of being trapped in memories while trying to take a new step forward.
Vocalist Takabo’s high-tone voice expresses those feelings beautifully, and the deeply resonant melody line leaves a strong impression.
The music video is an animated piece created by an illustrator who was their classmate and reached 1.8 million views in eight months.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who’ve experienced parting with someone important; we recommend listening to it alone on a quiet night.
change of heartindigo la End
A tear-jerking breakup song by indigo la End that depicts the truths and falsehoods of encounters and farewells.
It expresses the contradiction between the falsehood of the first meeting and the truth of the parting through heartrending lyrics and a melancholic melody.
Released in April 2024, the track is included on the album “Nureyuku Watashi Shōsetsu” (My Soaked Private Novel).
The sadness and regret of looking back on a lost love seep through, leaving a deep imprint on the listener’s heart.
It carries a lonely atmosphere that feels like surrendering to the silence of the night and facing yourself.
A recommended song for those who want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reflect on past love.
For that dayKitahara Mirei
A song where Mirei Kitahara’s vocals are heartbreakingly poignant.
Released in February 2024, this track portrays a resolve to move forward while quietly accepting a farewell to a loved one.
It delicately captures the solitude of a quiet night and the growing longing for someone dear.
Featuring Kitahara’s powerful vocals and a delicate piano accompaniment, it incorporates elements of classical music that transcend the boundaries of J-pop.
This is a must-listen for anyone facing a breakup or a turning point in life, or for those who want to give voice to the feelings they keep hidden in their hearts.