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)
Tears of MagnoliaSutaadasuto Rebyuu
Released in 1993, this signature song by Stardust Revue centers on the theme of losing a loved one.
Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics move from warm depictions of a life where love was nurtured together to the shock of the man’s sudden passing.
Yet the single-minded sincerity of the lyrics—expressing a love that persists straight and true—undeniably tugs at the heart.
Moreover, Nobuto Nemoto’s remarkably expressive vocals and the graceful melodic line shape the piece into not just a sad song, but a beautiful one.
I long to see you now.MISIA
This is a single released in 2009 by MISIA, a singer who captivates with her overwhelming vocal prowess.
It’s one of her most popular ballads and was used as the theme song for the Sunday drama series “JIN.” Filled with reverence for the preciousness of life and a heartfelt longing for someone you can never meet again, it resonates deeply and is profoundly moving.
It also conveys the importance of irreplaceable moments.
Many listeners may find themselves getting goosebumps.
Be sure to check out the live version as well, where the emotions in the lyrics come through even more strongly.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a rock band that made a spectacular debut with “The Beginning” and has continued to perform both in Japan and internationally without losing momentum.
Since they began in 2005, they have kept releasing great songs into the world.
Among them, one of their signature tracks is “Wherever you are,” released in 2010.
It’s a ballad that sings of a romantic, earnest love—quite different from the band’s intense rock image.
The words of love are delivered generously and straightforwardly.
It’s a song you’ll want to dedicate to someone special.
There’s a hole in my heart.Yorushika
All of Yorushika’s songs—created by n-buna, originally active as a Vocaloid producer, and vocalist suis—are popular.
Among them, this song in particular weaves in anguish, inner conflict, and worries that those who understand will truly feel, and I think it resonates especially with people who make music.
While it isn’t something everyone can relate to, for those it hits, it’s like being struck straight through the heart.
It’s such a beautiful song—almost mystical—that it brings tears to your eyes when you listen to it.
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.
Love, bonds, farewells, cheers… songs that pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably (41–50)
threadNakajima Miyuki
Despite being released in 1998, Miyuki Nakajima’s signature song “Ito” is still cherished today as a wedding staple.
Its lyrics, which liken people to threads and their encounters to a woven fabric, are very well known.
Many listeners have been deeply moved by the way the song prompts us to reconsider the meaning of meeting others and the meaning of living.
It’s a classic that has been covered by many artists, including Bank Band led by Kazutoshi Sakurai.
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.
