For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
There are moments in life when you just feel an overwhelming urge to cry, aren’t there?
In this article, we introduce songs that are guaranteed to make you cry and tracks to listen to when you want to let the tears flow.
We’ve gathered classic songs and masterpieces that support your desire to cry from various angles—heartache in love, the difficulties of life, the hardships of work, and more.
Anyone’s heart can get worn down if they push themselves past their limits.
If you’re feeling tired, please give these a listen.
I’m sure these wonderful pieces of music that gently stay by your side will bring you comfort.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- A tear-jerking love song that gently stays by your heart
- When you want to immerse yourself in music alone! Tear-jerker songs released in the Reiwa era
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
[For when you want to cry] Tear-jerking masterpieces to heal your heart. Life, love, work (71–80)
TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya
This is a song that Fumiya Fujii released in 1993 as his second single after the breakup of The Checkers.
It became famous as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Asunaro Hakusho and was a massive hit, selling over two million copies.
It’s a wistful ballad that leaves you with tears in your eyes by the time it ends.
If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki
This is a hit number from the youth of Toshiyuki Nishida, an actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV dramas and is loved by many for his approachable character despite his veteran presence.
The opening lyrics, which also serve as the title, are particularly memorable and may be even more famous than the chorus.
It’s a classic that expresses the feelings of a clumsy man who wants to deliver something to the one he loves but can’t.
Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song that gently envelops the solitary moments of facing oneself in the stillness of the night.
The longing to be loved, the desire to convey the pain buried deep within the heart—yet being unable to put it into words…
Such tender, aching emotions are expressed through delicate melodies and a dreamlike soundscape.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in January 2024 as the theme song for the film “Silent Love,” the track drew a huge response, surpassing 100 million streams on Billboard Japan.
On nights when you can’t face your own weakness, or when your heart feels like it’s about to break, let this song stay by your side—it will surely bring you solace.
[For When You Want to Cry] Tear-jerking masterpieces that heal the heart. Life, love, and work (81–90)
Re:prayAimer
Aimer’s “Re:pray,” used as an ending theme for the anime BLEACH.
The title plays on “replay” and the word “pray,” and that nuance is used strikingly in the lyrics as well.
The lyrics portray the breakup of a couple—poignant and sorrowful—and I’m sure they’ll pierce your heart as you listen.
It’s a heartbreak song, a farewell song, and you can feel lingering attachment, but as you read the words woven into the lyrics, you can also imagine someone trying to move forward, and it brings you to tears.
NamidairoYUI
This is YUI’s 11th single, “Namidairo,” released in 2008.
It’s a ballad that sings of aching love, a song that makes your chest tighten.
The acoustic guitar’s tone fits perfectly and slips gently into your ears.
It’s a track that feels like pouring out sad, painful feelings—one to listen to when you feel like crying, or if you’re experiencing a bittersweet love.
It’s okay to cry.Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Released in 2014, this is Momoiro Clover Z’s 11th single.
It also drew attention because Miyuki Nakajima wrote both the lyrics and the music.
A song for people who keep working hard without running away from hardship, it’s an uplifting track that makes you think, “Once you’ve had a good cry and feel refreshed, let’s start walking again.”
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
It’s an unforgettable song that portrays the hardship of living while letting you feel a glimmer of hope.
The lyrics evoke deep empathy and resonate with many people.
Released in August 2008, it drew attention after being featured in a commercial for a medical vocational school.
It’s the perfect track for those who feel life is tough or when your heart feels like it’s about to break.
Moriyama Naotaro’s gentle, comforting voice will encourage you and give you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.
All the more in difficult times, take a moment to listen slowly.
It will surely soothe your heart.