Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 30s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

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.

Give me an unbalanced kissTakahashi Hiro

Give me an unbalanced kiss

This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.

Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.

Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.

Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again (Short Ver.)

It’s a signature love ballad by EXILE, with lyrics expressing a man’s wistful feelings for his girlfriend.

Fans love it as a tear-jerker, thanks to the sweet vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO.

The climactic chorus is moving, and it’s especially recommended for men who have someone special in their lives!

pure soulGLAY

pure soul with lyrics, overdubbed, acoustic cover by Yusuke

The title track from GLAY’s 1998 album “pure soul.” By your late twenties, you’ve usually gotten used to working life, and it’s a time when various conflicts arise as you think about your future and where you stand.

This is a song I’d love people who feel lost to listen to.

I think many will find the lyrics relatable.

365 daysMr.Children

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

It was used in commercials for NTT East and NTT West, so I think you heard it often on TV.

It’s included on the album “SENSE,” released in 2010.

The lyrics, of course, are moving, but it’s Sakurai’s convincing vocals that make tears well up before you know it, isn’t it?

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I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

Originally written for a friend’s wedding, this song is very popular and often sung at weddings.

It’s been over 20 years since its release, yet it remains a beloved classic among fans.

It has a certain warmth to it, making it especially recommended for those who have a special girlfriend or are about to get married.

Cry BabySEAMO

SEAMO 『Cry Baby』

Everyone experiences tough times and moments when they want to give up, and this is a song that encourages you in those moments.

The lyrics carry the message: “When it’s hard, don’t hold back—let your tears flow.” It was also used as the theme song for the 2007 film Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Singing Buttocks Bomb!