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.
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[For when you need a good cry] Tear-jerking masterpieces to heal your heart: life, love, and work (131–140)
If you laugh at the skywacci
A heartwarming anthem that tenderly portrays the bonds formed with friends in youth, it resonates deeply and offers courage to overcome hardship while standing beside young people who can’t always face straight ahead.
Released by wacci in July 2018, the song drew attention as the support anthem for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Included on the album Kanjo Hyakkei (“A Hundred Views of Emotion”), its driving melody gently pushes forward those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone striving to move ahead—despite doubts and anxieties—while supporting one another with their friends.
GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN
A masterpiece that deeply questions the meaning of life and one’s own worth has been making waves.
The ballad released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in November 2006 is a work that expresses the self by likening life to a “job.” Its meticulously crafted guitar riffs and delicate vocals weave a melody that gently stays with the listener, evoking profound empathy.
The piece was also developed as a puppet-theater DVD, with band members serving as voice actors, expanding its world beyond music.
This is a song especially for those searching for what it means to live true to themselves, or for anyone feeling worn out by daily life.
No matter how smallwacci
An uplifting song has been born, warmly and gently portraying people who walk on with all their might, even while feeling how hard life can be.
Alongside the friendly melodies woven by the five members of wacci, the courage to face one’s own weaknesses and flaws, and the determination to move forward step by step, are vividly expressed.
Written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece speaks to you even in those moments when you feel you’re losing your sense of self, telling you that your efforts have meaning.
It was written as the theme song for the NTV drama “After-School Carte” in October 2024 and is also included on the album “Dressing,” released in January 2025.
It is sure to be cherished as a song that stays close to your heart when you lose your way on the path you chose and come to a halt.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
A heartwarming ballad gently portraying people looking ahead in life with both hope and unease, framed by the motif of a letter from the future.
Aoi Teshima’s translucent voice resonates deeply alongside the beautiful arrangement of piano and strings.
First released in July 2014 on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” the song drew renewed attention in February 2016 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Someday I’ll Remember This Love, and Surely I’ll Cry.” The piece won the Best Theme Song Award at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2016.
When you find yourself pausing on the path toward your dreams, or when you want to be close to your feelings for someone important, why not listen quietly? It will surely become a tear-jerker of a song for you.
Homeayaka
“Home,” sung by Ayaka, who is popular across a wide range of generations, is included on the album “Funtale,” released in June 2023.
Do you have someone who’s always in your heart even if they’re not by your side right now—someone whose very existence gives you strength? This song conveys feelings for that person you can’t see right away but always think about, and a wish for their happiness and for them to spend each day in good health.
Rather than being filled with sadness or heartbreak, it’s a heartwarming, tear-jerking number that overflows with gentle, calm emotions.
IchibanboshiSnow Man
This is a message song by Snow Man that expresses the determination to keep moving forward even when your heart feels like it’s about to break.
A medium-tempo ballad, it features a warm melody and stunning harmonies that showcase the individuality of all nine members.
The lyrics carefully portray a shift in emotion—from the pain of being unable to accept even words of encouragement to a feeling of gratitude toward those who offered support.
Included on the album “i DO ME,” released in May 2023, the song has maintained strong popularity among fans.
It gently accompanies anyone striving toward a dream or hoping to support someone else.
my wishAI
A heartwarming gospel ballad filled with hope and prayer.
Released in April 2025, this work serves as the image song for the film “Hana Manma.” The lyrics gently tell us that “wishes do come true,” and AI’s husky yet powerful vocals layer over them to moving effect.
It beautifully captures the world of the film, in which Ryohei Suzuki and Kasumi Arimura play a brother and sister.
This song gently supports those on the verge of giving up on the future or whose dreams have been denied, making it a perfect listen when you need strength to persevere or the courage to take the next step.