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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- A tear-jerking love song that gently stays by your heart
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- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
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[For When You Want to Cry] Tearjerking Masterpieces That Heal the Heart: Life, Love, Work (161–170)
Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu
Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.
The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.
Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.
The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.
In that casemakaroni enpitsu
A narrative masterpiece by Macaroni Enpitsu that wraps a bittersweet longing for love in the refreshing tones of guitar and synthesizer.
While gently embracing the pain of heartbreak, the unshaken desire to believe in the other person’s dreams stirs the heart.
The melodic lines and Hattori’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully capture the warmth and ache of youth.
Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Blue Box, it weaves unattainable love and a growing inner world together with the anime’s atmosphere.
A gem of a song that stands with everyone who knows the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak, soothing the soul.
What do you want to become?Rozarīna
Facing the true feelings that we’re prone to forget as we repeat our days, “Nani ni Naritakute,” was released in 2020 by singer-songwriter Rozarina, known for her work on numerous anime songs.
It portrays the raw emotions of having dreams and goals and working hard, yet losing sight of what you truly want to do.
The rhythmic vocals carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar are sure to soothe a tired heart.
It’s a song filled with a gentle message that tells you it’s okay to let your tears fall sometimes.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
A beloved masterpiece by Yo Hitoto that gently sings a prayer for loved ones and a wish for peace.
Released in February 2004, it has soothed many hearts with her unique sensibility as a Japanese-Taiwanese artist and her clear, transparent voice.
Using the flower—an emblem of Japan–U.S.
friendship—as its motif, the song expresses bonds with precious people and hopes for a happy future.
It was featured as the theme song for NTV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater and in JRA commercials, and set a record by staying on the Oricon Weekly Singles chart for 125 consecutive weeks.
Whether in moments of aching love or parting, or at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations, it remains a song that shines without fading.
threadNakajima Miyuki
A beautiful ballad that likens human connections to warp and weft threads soaks into the heart through Miyuki Nakajima’s gentle yet powerful voice.
The lyrics, depicting fateful encounters and the warm fabric of life woven from them, evoke deep empathy—a true masterpiece.
Included on the album EAST ASIA, this song has continued to resonate with many people since its release in October 1992.
In 1998, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints), earning even broader acclaim.
It’s a track that soothes the heart at life’s turning points—meetings and farewells, fresh starts, and more.
Celebrated by many, it’s perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and any occasion that honors bonds with loved ones.
Family photoYoshida Yamada
This song paints a warm portrait of family bonds, spun from a single photograph filled with childhood memories.
Told from a child’s perspective, each everyday scene—like the joy of a new bicycle or tear stains on a park bench—brims with memories anyone can relate to.
While it poignantly conveys the absence of the father behind the camera, it never dwells in sorrow; instead, Yoshida Yamada gently sing a world suffused with warmth.
Released in October 2024, the piece was also chosen as the theme song for RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting’s “Evening Live Getsukin!”, resonating with many through its heartwarming acoustic sound.
On nights when you come home tired from work, listening as you look through family photos will likely stir fond memories and renew your strength for tomorrow.
Liarieiri reo
This is a sublime ballad by Leo Ieiri that beautifully captures an inner world where joy and sorrow intersect.
Included on the album “Naked,” released in February 2023, and chosen as the opening theme for the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter, the song was born from a collaboration with Hikaru Ishizaki.
Dramatic string arrangements intertwine with Ieiri’s emotionally rich vocals to create a piece that evokes deep empathy.
It vividly portrays, within a fantastical setting, the inner conflicts that arise from trusting someone and the emotional turbulence of protecting those you love.
When you find yourself grappling with feelings wavering between truth and lies, lend an ear to this song—it will stay close to your heart.