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)
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.
Love, bonds, farewells, encouragement… songs that pierce the heart and make you cry so much you can’t stop the tears (51–60)
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.
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.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
Aoi Teshima, a singer from Fukuoka with a one-of-a-kind voice and commanding presence.
Her 2016 release “Letter to Tomorrow” was chosen as the ending theme for the drama “We Will Surely Someday Remember This Love and Cry,” starring Kasumi Arimura.
That same year, it won the Best Theme Song at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2016.
“Letter to Tomorrow” is a song of encouragement dedicated to those who stray from the conventional path yet keep chasing their dreams through struggle.
Even when daily life threatens to overwhelm us, it gently reassures us: “Don’t give up on your dreams or on living.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
Known for tear-jerking songs and being the best at singing about bittersweet love, back number’s “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” From the title you might think it’s a birthday song, but it’s not sung to someone else—it’s sung to oneself.
It’s a song overflowing with the feelings of wanting, or having wanted, to be celebrated by the person you like; an unfulfilled love; and a one-sided affection for that special someone.
cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe
This is a song themed around pre-wedding jitters.
When this song plays, there may be quite a few people—especially fathers—who can’t help but cry.
It’s filled with the feeling of having resolved to move forward, yet wanting to live just a little longer as these people’s daughter.
I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism
A love song by the hugely popular band Official HIGE DANDism.
Their beautifully soaring vocals are truly moving, aren’t they? The lyrics tell of how the way the world looks has changed thanks to a loved one.
Haven’t you ever felt the same? It’s a beautiful song that’s perfect to use as wedding BGM.
Its straightforward portrayal of pure love is enough to bring tears to your eyes.