Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 30s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
I think everyone has times when they want to cry.
When you’re feeling down, hurt, or just want to let the tears flow…
That’s exactly when certain lyrics can pierce your heart.
I’ve put together some recommended songs that can stay by your side through all those different emotions that make you want to cry!
Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 30s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
IFNEW!Novelbright
Introducing a song that gently embraces the complex feelings of a man who has experienced parting with someone precious and, while watching their figure fade into the distance, tries to move forward.
It’s the final, 13th track on Novelbright’s album “PYRAMID,” released in April 2026.
The lyrics were written by guitarist Kaito Yamada, who overlaid the band members’ own steps and changes, while vocalist Yudai Takenaka and others composed the music.
It holds a warm gaze that stays close to loneliness and anxiety.
The lyrical melody, with deliberate space, and the crystal-clear vocals resonate deep in the heart.
It’s pop-rock that gently gives you a push when you want to believe in the future even as you carry the sadness of parting.
dead endNEW!Hoshino Gen
This song, whose poignant yearning to reclaim lost time resonates deeply, is a work by Gen Hoshino.
It was written as the theme song for the film “Hiraba no Tsuki,” released in November 2025.
Created after the landmark album “Gen,” this piece is characterized by an extremely simple arrangement of just piano and voice, exquisitely depicting an adult living on while carrying regret for a once‑beloved person and emotions with no place to go.
Standing at the end of a love that can never return, the clumsy determination of a man who still tries to look forward will surely bring you to tears.
It’s a number I hope those who wish to spend a quiet night alone, gently holding the pain of a finished love, will listen to.
If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER
A warm number you’ll want to quietly lean into on nights when your heart feels like it might break.
Released by SUPER BEAVER in June 2020, this song was chosen as the theme for the film “Water’s Edge Flight.” It never denies negative emotions like loneliness or frustration, and its message—that it’s precisely because we’re connected to others that we can encounter joy—resonates through Ryota Shibuya’s earnest vocals.
Born at a major turning point with the band’s return to a major label, the track carries a pressing sincerity that overlaps with their own journey.
When you’ve pushed yourself so hard the thread feels like it’s about to snap, this is a hopeful song that reminds you you’re not alone.
It’s a gentle strength that will help you move forward into tomorrow.
umbrellaKing Gnu
This is a mid-tempo track that resonates with King Gnu’s signature sophisticated sound, linking rainy scenery with a sense of emotional loss.
Daiki Tsuneta’s wistful melodies intertwine with Satoru Iguchi’s crystal-clear vocals to beautifully portray the helplessness of a love that has ended.
Released in October 2019 and included on the album CEREMONY, the song also drew wide attention as the commercial theme for Bourbon’s Alfort featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
The lyrics, which express the loneliness of a man left behind in a room after his partner is gone and the unfillable void in his heart, may be painful for some to hear.
If you listen quietly alone on a sleepless night, the tears you’ve been holding back might begin to flow.
Happinessback number
Back number, known for lyrics and melodies that ache and tighten the chest, has won wide support.
This work is the B-side track included on their major-label debut single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011.
It was later included on the album “Superstar,” released in October of the same year, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a hidden gem.
Realizing that the person you love is thinking of someone other than you, yet being able to stay by their side only by wishing for their happiness—these painfully selfless feelings and inner conflicts are depicted in the lyrics, piercing listeners’ hearts.
The beautiful arrangement incorporating strings further stirs the emotions.
For those suffering from unrequited love or who have once prayed for a loved one’s happiness from afar, this is a song that will bring you to tears.
balladKetsumeishi
This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.
It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.
Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.
Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.
It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.
With You ~Even After 10 or 20 Years~AK-69
The vocals come in over the piano and it moves into the A melody, then around the B section it switches to rap.
I think it might be a message song.
The chorus has a band arrangement.
How about taking this opportunity to try a piano-and-vocal performance or karaoke?