Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

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

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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.

[For when you want to cry] Tear-jerking masterpieces that heal the heart. Life, love, and work (41–50)

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number’s 20th single, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” was the theme song for the TV drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” starring Kyoko Fukada.

It’s a love ballad with a heartrending melody that speaks less to the person you love and more to yourself, stuck stewing in your feelings for them.

It’s a tearjerker that will surely resonate with anyone nursing a one-sided crush.

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First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

First LoveUtada Hikaru

I imagine many people are reminded of their first love when they listen to this song.

Its gentle sound and vocals bring back beautiful memories, and you feel so nostalgic and lonely that you could cry.

The lyrics really touch the heart, and the soothing sound makes you want to listen to it again and again.

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Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro – Best Friend ~Mother Earth Version~ ※Disney/Pixar “The Good Dinosaur” Japan-version end song

Best FriendKiroro

When you’re feeling worn out and just want to cry for no reason, I recommend Kiroro’s “Best Friend.” Even if you feel alone, listening to this song will remind you that you have people you cherish and friends by your side.

The song expresses gratitude for those important people.

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Happinessback number

Happiness / back number (cover)

Happinessback number

Perhaps because it carries even more emotion than their usual ballads, the near-tearful vocals seize your heart.

It’s a heartrending piece about a protagonist suffering from unrequited love, yet still wishing above all for the other person’s happiness.

Pay attention to vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s richly expressive performance—it’ll give you goosebumps.

It’s included on the 2011 album “Superstar.”

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If tomorrow comesJUJU

JUJU If Tomorrow Comes High Quality Video, High Quality Audio

If tomorrow comesJUJU

The theme song of the film “April Bride.” Its gentle vocals and lyrics leave a strong impression, and it’s the signature track that brought JUJU’s name into the spotlight.

Released in 2009 as JUJU’s 10th single, it was featured across various media and enjoyed long-lasting popularity.

As the film’s title suggests, it’s an achingly bittersweet song.

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Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

Like tonight's moonElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi’s 15th single is “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” It became the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” and it’s one of their signature tracks.

This song also earned them a long-awaited appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song I want you to listen to when things aren’t going well and you feel like crying in frustration.

I’m sure it will be a track that stays close to your heart.

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Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

Thank youikimonogakari

One of Ikimonogakari’s classic songs, “Arigatou,” is a truly tear-jerking ballad.

The lyrics, which express everyday gratitude, have likely resonated with many people.

Even now, it remains a popular choice that many sing at karaoke.

When you can’t quite bring yourself to say “thank you,” this song might be a nice gift to offer.

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