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.

Playlist

For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi		The appeal of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature song “Eine Kleine”
2	Endless JourneyMr.Children		A moving song to refresh yourself through tear therapy
3	SparkleRADWIMPS		An insert song from Your Name, a pleasant track themed around love
4	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE's movie theme song
5	Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako		Expressing the importance of heart and love in an insert song from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
6	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s classic song stirs the heart
7	Because you are hereUru		The power to act through family bonds
8	blinkback number		The tear-jerking masterpiece “Mabataki” by back number
9	On this day of goodbyeaimyon		Aimi's masterpiece: reflections on the past and moving forward
10	catDISH//		A bittersweet breakup ballad written and composed by Aimyon
11	AnswerIkuta Rira		A song that gives you the courage to face life's anxieties
12	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		SUPER BEAVER's movie theme song.
13	Mikan HeartC&K		C&K’s unrequited-love ballad
14	glowing madder-redAimer		A poignant ballad about parting with a loved one
15	balladKetsumeishi		Unrequited love in a ballad by Ketsumeishi
16	rendezvousshaitoopu		Shytopes' signature breakup song
17	It’s okayRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS, the theme song of Weathering With You
18	futureKobukuro		The poignant beauty of unrequited love
19	NonfictionHirai Ken		A song that questions the meaning of life and the feeling of loss
20	KanadeSukima Suichi		Love-encouragement song by Sukima Switch
21	The summer you gave meieiri reo		A summer fling turned into an anthem of encouragement for our generation
22	AitaiKato Miria		When you feel like crying about love, 'Aitai' is recommended.
23	Song of the Eternal NightKamisama wa saikoro o furanai		A ballad that beautifully portrays the pain of heartbreak
24	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		A song of courage and hope in the face of adversity
25	Tears of MagnoliaStardust Revue		Mulan’s Tears is a nostalgic love song
26	Life is hard.satō moka		Soothe your tired heart with Satō Moka’s new song
27	NAOHY		A classic breakup song that portrays a heartrending love
28	OrangeSMAP		A masterpiece that conveys farewell and gratitude
29	day by dayYoshida Yamada		A classic that conveys everyday happiness and gratitude
30	Love SongGReeeeN		A famous song by GReeeeN themed around eternal love
31	Until the day I can no longer rememberback number		The poignancy of forgetting memories with someone you broke up with
32	Prayer FlowerHirai Dai		A moving song about parting with a loved one
33	Even if it’s one of a kindkujira		Whale songs ease the anxieties of the heart
34	contrailArai Yumi		Introduction to Yuming’s classic song “Hikōki-gumo” (Airplane Cloud)
35	lovesicknessAimer		An encouraging song to overcome the pains of love
36	setting sunToukyou Jihen		A Sad Farewell Song by Tokyo Incidents
37	me me sheRADWIMPS		A tear-jerking breakup ballad by RADWIMPS
38	Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		Angela Aki’s encouragement song
39	lost itemVaundy		A heartwarming song introduction by Vaundy
40	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata to perform the theme song for a Doraemon movie
41	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A classic summer song by ZONE that many artists have covered
42	March 9Remioromen		Remioromen's classic graduation song
43	HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number		Back Number’s romantic ballad song
44	First LoveUtada Hikaru		A nostalgic, heartwarming song that brings back memories of first love
45	Best FriendKiroro		Remembering gratitude to a friend with Kiroro's "Best Friend"
46	Happinessback number		A song that expresses a heartrending love with rich emotion
47	If tomorrow comesJUJU		Movie theme song. One of JUJU’s signature songs.
48	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		Signature songs of The Elephant Kashimashi
49	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari's gratitude song
50	tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa		A heartbroken woman finds a sense of affection in her ex-boyfriend’s cigarettes.
51	Silent EveKarashima Midori		Tears spill to a piano ballad
52	#302Hirai Ken		A poignant ballad that portrays the everyday fluctuations of the heart
53	passwordayaka		It is the theme song of “House Where the Mermaid Sleeps.”
54	Song of the WheelsBUMP OF CHICKEN		Expressing the complex emotions of farewell and support
55	crescent moonayaka		Introduction to Ayaka’s signature song “Mikazuki”
56	PrologueUru		A TV drama theme song that gently sings about the pain of unrequited love.
57	HikariAndrop		Good Doctor theme song piano piece
58	366 daysHY		An emotionally moving song that sings of lingering feelings after a broken heart
59	SakuraHanzaki Yoshiko		Bittersweet feelings for a friend who has passed away
60	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Official theme song of the Athens Olympics
61	Winter, againGLAY		An inspiring winter classic by GLAY
62	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		Fujifabric’s classic summer song
63	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana		A moving song about feelings for my grandfather
64	I love you. ~100 Regrets~Sonar Pocket		Sonar Pocket heartbreak song
65	PreciousGLAY		A moving song from a GLAY member for a wife who lost her husband
66	Because I fell in loveaimyon		Because I fell in love, I’ll express my feelings just as they are.
67	You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki		A song that gives you the courage to face difficulties
68	Robinsonsupittsu		A signature song by Spitz, a love song that epitomizes the 1990s
69	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		Insert song from Under One Roof 2
70	I loved (it/you)erica		A heartbreak song with piano and strings
71	Wakabasupittsu		Spitz’s tear-jerking movie theme song
72	HoweverGLAY		Introduction to GLAY’s ballad song HOWEVER
73	A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken		Naoko Ken’s heartbreak ballad
74	Manhattan KissTakeuchi Mariya		Mariya Takeuchi’s bittersweet ballad on the theme of infidelity
75	Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)sugimoto masato		A moving song in which Sugimoto thinks of his mother
76	pupilaiko		Aiko’s song warmly sings about the growth of life and bonds
77	HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE		A theme song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that resonates with the heart
78	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s smash-hit ballad
79	If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki		A classic song that sings of Toshiyuki Nishida’s clumsy love
80	Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently wraps the heart’s pain in the loneliness of the night
81	Re:prayAimer		Aimer’s heartbreak song “Re:pray”
82	NamidairoYUI		YUI’s Tear-Colored: a ballad of aching first love
83	It’s okay to cry.Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto		An upbeat song by Momoiro Clover Z
84	If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro		An inspiring song that encourages those struggling with the hardships of life with hope
85	When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru		A song that gives you the sorrow and insights of a broken heart
86	SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA		Love songs, representative works of CHAGE and ASKA
87	boyAsakawa Maki		Maki Asakawa’s blues song, the poignancy of everyday life
88	I miss you so much, I want to see you.Nishino Kana		Expressing the sorrow of betrayal in Kana Nishino’s signature song
89	one grainwacci		Wacci’s new song, a ballad depicting the decision to part ways
90	Dreamersadamasashi		Sada Masashi Emperor’s Cook theme song
91	applausechiaki naomi		Chiaki Naomi's Grand Prize-winning song
92	Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki		A 1986 classic that evokes nostalgic memories
93	Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya		A heartwarming song that contrasts cosmic love with everyday love
94	loadTHE toraburyū		THE Tora Tora Tora “Road” smash hit song
95	half of meHirai Ken		An underrated gem suddenly performed live
96	Lingering Snowiruka		A dolphin covers Nagori-yuki
97	A Man in EcstasyMidorikawa Shobō		Midorikawa Shobo's dementia theme song
98	Just by you being herekome kome CLUB		Kome Kome Club's biggest hit song
99	Velvet Poemback number		An emotional song by back number used as a movie theme
100	paintingŌmori Motoki		A hauntingly mystical song that stirs Motoki Omori’s heart
101	sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo's debut work, a heartwarming, original sound
102	TOO MUCH PAINTHE BLUE HEARTS		A bittersweet classic by THE BLUE HEARTS
103	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A classic song about the struggle of a man who cannot cry
104	maybeYOASOBI		A song based on a novel, The End of Love
105	Chuo LineTHE BOOM		A song that lets you bask in nostalgic memories of THE BOOM
106	Song of the Dawneastern youth		A song of hope that morning comes to everyone
107	If only you were here so I could hold you.miwa		A song with piano and vocals that gives courage for the future
108	biting my lipyoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s movie theme song, a heart-piercing tearjerker
109	It’s true.Natsunose		A song that gently accompanies the heart with healing melodies
110	To new loversback number		back number's heartrending song
111	Only a single voicerokudenashi		A poignant song that comforts heartbreak and loneliness
112	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently embraces the uncertainties of youth
113	Happy Endingback number		Lingering attachment to an ex-lover and complex emotions
114	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A love song that delicately expresses feelings through depictions of nature
115	SymphonyHirai Dai		Dai Hirai’s movie theme song love ballad
116	A Gentle BallAimer		A fantastical song by Aimer sung at a nighttime ball
117	wicked womanNakajima Miyuki		Songs for when you want to be strong after a heartbreak
118	the red threadKobukuro		A grand 7-minute story by Kobukuro depicting love and parting
119	Last Love SongSuperfly		A love ballad by Superfly, a heartrending farewell
120	Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo		Shogo Hamada’s captivating vocal ability and songs
121	Wish ~To You Back Then~Mirei Touyama		My heart is healed by a bittersweet heartbreak song
122	Dedicated to the hippiesRC sakuseshon		Requiem for a Late Manager
123	To Those Daysanzenchitai		A masterpiece that brings tears in a winter landscape
124	Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song of courage to believe in your own path and move forward
125	heartaimyon		Aimyon, a heartrending love ballad
126	Night journeyYorushika		The moving music and vocals of n-buna
127	Dear dropsTani Yuuki		A foundational song from my high school days, pouring emotions into the vocals
128	To my gentle youNornis		A ballad by Nornis. Its transparent harmonies gently stay close to the heart.
129	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s famous song, an immortal masterpiece that sings of love and peace
130	SAD SONG feat. No No Girls FINALISTSchanmina		Stirring songs give people’s dreams a push
131	IchibanboshiSnow Man		Even when my heart breaks, Snow Man makes me face forward.
132	If you call it loveUru		Uru’s gem-like ballad that sings of the resolve to reclaim a lost relationship
133	my wishAI		Image song for the film “Hanamanma”
134	reverse dreamKing Gnu		A ballad that delicately expresses love and loss
135	rootKing Gnu		A piece that portrays the hope to live through a quiet melody
136	Super BallTOMOO		Live true to yourself without forgetting a sincere heart
137	I LOVE YOUkurisu haato		Chris Hart's heartbreak ballad song
138	Linju Lovemakaroni enpitsu		A moving story depicting love and feelings in the face of death
139	The true soundKOKIA		Listen to your inner voice and reexamine your core values
140	counting songamazarashi		A song that delicately portrays the joys and sorrows of life
141	DarlingSuda Keina		Keina Suda’s songs that sing of one-sided love and suffering
142	Write it as “regret,” read it as “future.”mafumafu		Mafumafu’s rock ballad: a cry from the heart
143	ElfAdo		Ado’s music leads from loneliness to hope
144	aimlesslyAimer		Aimer’s gentle singing soothes the heart
145	normalConton Candy		Sing everyday happiness in warm words
146	In loveHY		A ballad that portrays a heart accepting heartbreak and growing
147	A Farewell SongHilcrhyme		A love song filled with feelings for someone special
148	signJUJU		JUJU’s movie theme song “sign” is a masterpiece that deeply expresses sorrow
149	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A heartwarming ballad that is one of JUJU’s signature songs
150	Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa		ReoNa saves hearts with despair-themed anime songs
151	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		The emotional songs of SUPER BEAVER
152	Welcome back.Tani Yuuki		A song that sings of bittersweet love for someone far away
153	No matter how smallwacci		An encouraging song by wacci that expresses the courage to face one’s weakness
154	If you laugh at the skywacci		An anthem of support depicting the bonds and courage of youth
155	I…atarayo		A song that portrays self-transformation and emotional growth through love
156	horsetailnishina		Theme Song of the Animal Trail Where Lilacs Bloom
157	Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo		A warm song where a loved one’s smile supports the heart
158	I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu		Off Course's ballad about the end of love
159	fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars' movie theme song ballad
160	single bedSha ran Q		A ballad that portrays the feelings of recovering from heartbreak and moving forward
161	Twilight NostalgiaNaoto Intiraymi		The Appeal of Naoto Inti Raymi’s Songs and the Healing of Sunset Nostalgia
162	Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai		A message song imbued with Harukamirai’s hope and strong will
163	Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu		An inspiring song by Macaroni Empitsu
164	In that casemakaroni enpitsu		Macaroni Enpitsu’s heartbreak song
165	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		A healing song that helps you face your true feelings
166	threadNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s masterpiece ballad depicting the bonds of life
167	Family photoYoshida Yamada		A warm-bond soundtrack woven from family photos
168	Liarieiri reo		Introduction to Leo Ieiri’s exquisite ballads
169	Always the two of usShimazu Aya		A cheering song by Aya Shimazu filled with feelings for her beloved dog
170	Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya		A love song overflowing with affection by Takaya Kawasaki
171	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		A heartwarming ballad that faces forward with hope and anxiety
172	Family SongHoshino Gen		A classic song that gently sings of everyday happiness and family bonds
173	homeKiyama Yusaku		A warm, loving song that portrays the bond between parent and child
174	I want to see you.sawada chikako		A heartfelt ballad that longs for parting and reunion with a loved one
175	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		A heartwarming classic by Masaharu Fukuyama that depicts love and the bonds of family
176	aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu		Depicting resolve and love in farewells during wartime
177	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		A ballad that gently portrays love built over time
178	Homeayaka		Ayaka’s “Home” is a gentle song about thinking of someone far away.
179	gardenFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s soul-stirring songs
180	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s film theme song: a love song of love and obsession
181	Why feat. Emimi NodaTakase Tōya		A heartbreak ballad that conveys aching feelings with an emotional vocal performance
182	GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN		A masterpiece that questions the meaning of life and evokes deep empathy
183	Kasane AiSoala		Soala’s transparent vocals express emotion
184	Love RadiantMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s moving classic ballad
185	CymbalsKubota Toshinobu		Toshinobu Kubota’s classic Cymbals
186	Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG		A popular song that questions dreams and reality