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, 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.
If tomorrow comesJUJU with JAY’ED
This is one of JUJU’s signature songs, featuring JAY’ED, and it was used as the theme song for the film “April Bride,” which is based on a true story.
Because it was the movie’s theme, JUJU herself put a great deal of emotion into creating the track.
Perhaps for that reason, many parts of the song connect closely with the film’s narrative, and anyone familiar with the story might be moved to tears right away.
Knowing that farewell is inevitable makes it all the more heartrending, painful, and sad.
Even in such circumstances, the lyrics depict the genuine love shared by two people, woven together through the beautiful harmonies of JUJU and JAY’ED.
Motherkariyushi 58
When you hear “a song that makes you cry,” you probably picture a gentle, soothing ballad.
But wouldn’t it be wonderful if an upbeat, lively song could move you to tears, too? This is “Anma,” one of Kariyushi58’s signature tracks.
It’s precisely because Shingo Maekawa—who was quite a rascal in his youth—sings it as an adult that you can sense gratitude and a desire to repay kindness woven into every line.
As you read the lyrics, don’t you find scenes that mirror your own experiences? It’s a song that makes you want to honestly express your own gratitude.
Departures ~A Song of Ai for You~EGOIST
The ending theme of the anime Guilty Crown.
It’s a poignant and sorrowful number about parting with a loved one.
The lyrics, which recall memories with that person one by one while expressing that nothing can be conveyed anymore, are heartrending, and the beautiful vocals resonate deeply in the heart.
crescent moonayaka
A heartwarming love ballad released in 2006 by singer-songwriter Ayaka, whose heartfelt songs warm the soul.
Written with the theme of a long-distance relationship, it keeps you company through lonely, sentimental nights.
The relatable lyrics, layered with wishes to the moon, sink in deeply.
Beyond romance, its reflections on hometown feelings when moving to the city resonate from multiple perspectives.
Its timeless atmosphere, as if keeping hearts connected across time, also brings tears to the eyes.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
It’s a masterpiece ballad that, strangely enough, makes you feel saved just by listening to the chorus.
It’s a signature song by Taiwanese-born singer Yo Hitoto, released in 2004 as her fifth single.
The warm melody really brings out Hitoto’s clear, earnest vocals.
It naturally makes you feel like “I want to be kinder to the people around me” and “I want to cherish the person I love even more.” If you’re struggling with relationships or blaming yourself for feeling lonely, please give it a listen.
It will gently wrap your heart in comfort.
