For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work

aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Wishful Longing (Inspire Movie for the film “If Only I Could Meet You Again at the Hill Where That Flower Blooms”) *NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen performance song

A poignant song by Masaharu Fukuyama that portrays a heartbreaking love during wartime.

Released in December 2023 as the theme song for the film “If Only I Could Meet You Again at the Hill Where That Flower Blooms.” It delicately captures the protagonist’s feelings as they savor the small joys of everyday life before parting from their beloved.

The resolve to embark on a “journey of no return” and the gentle wish for the loved one’s happiness leave a strong impression.

It weaves a fragile yet beautiful love story amid changing times.

A song that offers solace to those who have experienced parting with someone precious or who stand at a crossroads in life.

An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “A Love Letter on Our 35th Year,” this gem of a ballad gently and warmly portrays a love that deepens with the passage of time.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, luminous vocals resonate as if tenderly enveloping feelings for a cherished person.

The track began streaming in February 2025, and a CD single was released in March ahead of the film’s premiere.

The movie depicts a husband who, upon retiring, struggles to write a love letter to his wife; accompanying the protagonist’s emotions, Hata carefully weaves his words like a letter.

It’s a song we recommend to anyone who, in the course of days shared with someone precious, has rediscovered the profound significance of their presence.

Homeayaka

Ayaka / Home Music Video

“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.

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gardenFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Garden (Not a MV)

Fujii Kaze’s song gently embraces the impermanence of life and the bonds between people through the changing seasons.

His soft, gospel-tinged vocals and piano tones sink deeply into the heart.

The track is included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” released in March 2022, and was also featured in NatureLab’s “Laundrin” TV commercial.

Its beautiful music video, filmed at ACAO FOREST in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, also drew attention.

This gem of a song offers solace to those who, even while carrying sadness and loneliness, wish to keep looking forward.

Take some time alone to really listen—you may find yourself moved to tears.

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

A gem of a love song written by Fujii Kaze as the theme for the film “If April Could Come, She Would,” starring Takeru Satoh.

With delicate lyrics and an elegant piano melody, it portrays unconditional devotion to a loved one and the inner change that comes from letting go of attachment.

While it aligns with the film’s story, it also strongly reflects Fujii Kaze’s philosophical worldview, and his gentle vocals carry the message deep into the heart.

Released in March 2024, this work stands as one of Fujii Kaze’s signature songs amid his energetic activities at home and abroad.

It’s sure to resonate with those who wish to keep thinking of someone they love forever, as well as those striving to overcome a farewell with someone dear.

Why feat. Emimi NodaTakase Tōya

Takuya Takase / Why feat. Emi Noda (Official Music Video)

A heartbreak ballad distinguished by a beautiful, soul-stirring melody.

Toya Takase’s emotional vocals and Emi Noda’s clear voice brilliantly capture the bittersweet feelings after a breakup.

Released digitally in January 2022 and included on the album “13-gatsu 1-nichi” (The First Day of the 13th Month), this song resonated with many listeners who relate to the joys of love and the pain of parting, drawing attention on charts across Asia.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels the loneliness that deepens at night or the emptiness of losing someone dear.

GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Guild"

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.