A tear-jerking love song. A love song that stays close to a hurting heart.
Love isn’t always fun, is it?
You might mustered up the courage to confess your feelings only to be rejected, be led on and strung along, or realize from the start it was a love that could never come true… Chances are, you too have experienced a painful love.
In this article, we introduce tear-jerking love songs that sing about that kind of heartbreak.
If you’re hurting right now, why not try finding a song that stays close to your feelings?
Listening to songs about the same situation might help you find clues for facing that love.
- "A Love Song I Can't Tell Anyone" — a love song you can relate to when times are tough
- [Tear-Jerking Breakup Songs] A curated selection of love songs that gently comfort a wounded heart!
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- A song of forbidden love. A heartrending, sorrowful love song.
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- [Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- [Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
- [Female Heartbreak Song] A soul-stirring song dedicated to you, who loved with all your heart.
- [Today’s Heartbreak Song] A poignant love song that gently wraps your wounded heart
- Heal your heart with love ballads: A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs.
- Breakup songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
Tear-Jerking Love Songs: Love Songs That Soothe an Aching Heart (71–80)
The Last LieBENI

An emotionally moving ballad where bittersweet feelings are conveyed through a clear, translucent singing voice.
Released in January 2012, this song by BENI delicately portrays the emotions of someone accepting a breakup while wishing for just one gentle lie at the very end.
Its beautiful melody, centered on piano and strings, further highlights the lingering attachment to a loved one and the pain of parting.
The lyrics were written by BENI herself, with composition by Yoko Kuzuya.
Included on the album “Fortune,” it is cherished by many as a ballad that feels close to the heart.
Resonating with those who have experienced the pain of losing someone irreplaceable, this song helps soothe the wounds of heartbreak.
The strong and fleeting onesCocco

This song portrays a poignant love that sets out on a difficult journey to build something precious for a beloved, only to be confronted with the reality of betrayal.
It depicts, with striking clarity, both the strength to fight for love and the fragility and weakness inherent in being human, while Cocco’s translucent voice resonates deeply.
Released in November 1997, it was featured as the theme song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign commercial.
It’s a piece that offers solace to those who resonate with the turmoil between wanting to protect someone dear and facing an unyielding reality, as well as to those struggling with unrequited love.
catDISH//

This is a moving song that overlays the end of a bittersweet love with the ephemeral freedom of a cat.
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, it beautifully harmonizes with DISH//’s musical style to create a true masterpiece.
Released in August 2017 as the B-side to the single “We Did It,” it was later featured in 2020 as an insert song in the drama “Cat.” That same year, it received the Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and was included on the album “X.” Embracing listeners who have experienced parting with someone dear, this heartwarming track gently holds universal feelings of loss and lingering attachment, while nurturing the strength to keep looking forward.
Tear-Jerking Love Songs: Love Songs That Comfort a Hurt Heart (81–90)
In loveHY

HY, a band from Okinawa, released “Koi o Shite” in December 2024.
It serves as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” which hits theaters in January 2025, and is positioned as a sequel to the ballad “366 Days” of the same name that centers on heartbreak.
The lyrics portray moving forward while overcoming the pain of parting, and it’s truly stirring.
Please give it a listen while thinking of someone special to you!
BLUE TEARSJUDY AND MARY

This song by JUDY AND MARY beautifully captures the cold winter night sky and the ache of unrequited love.
Released in November 1993, it conveys a world where distant memories and lingering feelings intersect, carried by delicate melodies.
収録アルバム『J・A・M』に含まれ、その後2006年の映画『シムソンズ』の主題歌に選ばれました。1996年からはフジテレビのバラエティ番組『めちゃ×2イケてるッ!』のエンディングテーマとしても使用されました。寒い夜をひとりで過ごすときも、胸に秘めた想いに向き合うときも、この曲はきっとあなたのそばにいてくれるでしょう。
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

This is a heartwarming ballad that gently embraces deep love and gratitude for someone precious.
Even as everyday life changes in the blink of an eye and we feel on the verge of losing sight of what truly matters, the presence of a loved one reminds us of life’s meaning and joy.
The song portrays the beauty of unconditional love and mutual support, conveyed through a voice that resonates with the heart.
Released in February 2009 as JUJU’s ninth single, it became her first to enter the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and was also featured in a collaborative commercial by MTV Japan and Nissan.
Included on the album “What’s Love?”, it has garnered wide support, including numerous cover versions by various artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your feelings for someone special overflow or when you want to express your gratitude.
Let the warm vocals fill your heart with kindness.
Only HumanK

A dramatic ballad by K that shines a light of hope, telling us that “beyond sorrow lies a smile.” Chosen as the theme song for the drama One Litre of Tears, the piece portrays people who keep looking forward even as they face life’s hardships.
When you’re exhausted, when you stop and wonder if things are okay as they are, this song gently gives you a push.
Released in November 2005, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It’s also included on the album Beyond the Sea and continues to be cherished as one of K’s signature works.
Its tender, enveloping vocals are sure to give you strength.


