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, farewell, cheers… songs that move you to tears and pierce the heart (1–10)
10 Best Tearjerker Songs: Popular Picks and All-Time Classics!
First, I’ll introduce 10 songs by trending artists and classic tearjerkers. I’m sure you’ve heard most of them—or at least seen their titles—but listening again will remind you just how moving they are. Be sure to listen while reading the lyrics!
NonfictionHirai Ken
Nonfiction is the 42nd single by Ken Hirai, released in 2017.
The song was written specifically for the drama Little Giant, starring Hiroki Hasegawa.
Combined with Hirai’s deeply resonant vocals, it’s a moving, tear-jerking number.
Life can be full of absurdities and frustrations that wear you down.
There are times when you don’t want to think about anything and just feel low.
This is a song I hope you’ll listen to at such times.
It will lighten the burden on your heart and make life just a little easier starting tomorrow.
KanadeSukima Suichi
It may especially resonate with those who’ve had to break up with someone they still loved.
It’s one of the signature songs by the musical duo Sukima Switch, released in 2004 as their second single.
Even now, long after its release, this classic is frequently used as a tie-in for films, dramas, and commercials.
The scenes evoked by each line of the lyrics are truly moving.
Please give it a listen while thinking of someone precious to you.
By the way, it’s also a very popular choice for karaoke.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
This is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature songs, released in 2018.
Written specifically as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural,” it enjoyed a long-running hit and can be said to represent both 2018 and 2019.
Stylish and sultry, it holds sorrow, hope, and fear in balance; even within its sadness, the melody lets you feel a ray of light.
It’s a track so deep and flavorful that it defies being summed up in a single word.
366 daysHY
When it comes to breakup songs, this track almost always gets mentioned: HY’s “366 Days.” Included on HY’s fifth album, “HeartY,” released in 2008, this song has been covered by numerous artists.
It sings about someone you truly loved, someone you simply can’t erase from your heart, packing in all the raw, painful, and heartrending emotions that could make anyone who’s freshly heartbroken burst into tears.
Even if you’re not currently dealing with a breakup, it’s the kind of song that can unearth bittersweet memories from the past.
Anytime Anywheremilet
Singer-songwriter milet’s song “Anytime Anywhere” is a work that conveys gentle warmth and expansive love that seep softly into the heart.
It was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
With a poignant yet powerful melody, milet sings of a timeless form of love that remains unchanged in any era; her expressive performance leaves a deep imprint on the heart and may even move listeners to tears.
The soundscape created by the harmony of piano and acoustic guitar is soothing to the ear and tenderly accompanies the subtleties of one’s emotions.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
When it comes to singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, she’s released many love songs, but among them, this track is known as the most moving and tear-jerking.
While her own bright personality—and the upbeat, glamorous image you get from popular songs like “Sakuranbo” and “SMILY”—stand out, in this song her gentle, wistful vocals are especially striking.
The lyrics use words that anyone can relate to, speaking straight to our emotions.
Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
Here’s a recommended song for when you want a good cry and to feel refreshed: “Tegami ~Haikei Juugo no Kimi e~.” Angela Aki’s gentle voice, accompanied by piano, will softly embrace your downcast feelings.
As the title suggests, the lyrics especially resonate with teenagers.
If you’re feeling low, let this song encourage you.
