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 (31–40)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is “Pretender,” a signature song by Official HIGE DANDism that somehow feels wistful right from the intro.
It’s a sad love song sung from a male perspective about an unrequited love.
The beautiful piano melody powerfully heightens the bittersweet emotion.
Even though you know in your head it won’t come true, it’s hard to let go—this track conveys that aching feeling so vividly.
NautilusYorushika
A track that tells the story of a girl who struggles to live through the darkness of life.
Two people chasing their dreams tried to walk together, but “you” disappeared.
I can’t forget, and I don’t want to forget.
This song offers solace to those grieving the loss of someone dear.
It also captures the depth and delicacy of love, piercing the heart and bringing tears.
Yorushika, who are currently gaining popularity especially among young listeners—please give them a listen!
Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya
This is a heartwarming song that contrasts the grandeur of the universe’s history with the small acts of love found in everyday life.
It is one of Takaya Kawasaki’s signature works, included on the 2018 album “I believe in you.” After its initial release on an indie label, it was reissued by Victor Entertainment.
The song portrays the preciousness of each moment with a loved one, expressing a straightforward, sincere devotion to someone dear.
The gentle tone of the acoustic guitar and the tender vocals resonate as if softly enveloping those feelings.
It’s a piece that supports anyone reflecting on relationships with irreplaceable people—partners, family, and others—and feeling a deep sense of love.
If you laugh at the skywacci
When you think of wacci, love songs—especially breakup songs—tend to come to mind, but their youth anthems like this one are absolutely wonderful, too! For students in clubs or anyone pouring their heart into something, this song is sure to be truly inspiring.
When you’re striving toward a goal, you sometimes run into results you’re not satisfied with.
In those moments, having teammates fighting alongside you can make you want to give it another try, right? This song captures those youthful days, carrying a message that resonates with everyone—whether you’re in the thick of it now or an adult looking back on your own youth.
Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru
One of Hikaru Utada’s songs that further heightened the emotion of the drama as an insert track in Hana Yori Dango 2.
The heartrending, bittersweet lyrics resonate deeply, overlapping with the drama’s story of a love that’s anything but straightforward.
The low-register vocals in the A verse that follows the opening chorus are striking, conveying the weight of the lyrics and the earnestness of the straightforward feelings of love embedded within.
The story depicted in the lyrics is surely something anyone can relate to, making it a song that’s easy to take personally.
Love, bonds, farewells, cheers… songs that pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (41–50)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
When you think of Ken Hirai, his husky, sultry voice comes to mind—he’s released countless classics packed with a variety of themes.
Among his songs, this is undoubtedly the definitive bittersweet love ballad.
It’s sung from the perspective of a heartbroken man clinging to his lingering feelings, and it’s truly a tearjerker.
Everywhere he turns, he’s reminded of her, and he lives with a sense of loss every day.
But rather than forgetting it all as if nothing ever happened, he’d rather hold on to the pain and hardship.
Those achingly sad feelings—can’t you relate?
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
A classic song by Off Course released in 1982, which Oda-san himself has also covered.
It brings to mind the stories of the commercials it’s featured in, and it’s a song that stays by your side when you’re overwhelmed with feelings.
The moment the intro starts, I’m moved to tears…
Why is Kazumasa Oda’s voice so gripping? Honestly, I can’t put it into words.
It’s a track that seems to take in and set free all those inexpressible emotions—defeat, heartbreak, farewells, regrets, and more.
