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

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

This song is about friends and companions.

It’s a track you’ll want to dedicate to a dear friend, and one you’ll want to listen to while thinking of your best friend.

As we become adults, we probably have fewer chances to meet our friends than we used to, but listening to the song’s passionate lyrics might just bring you to tears.

THE OVERUVERworld

UVERworld　『THE OVER』

The 22nd single, released in August 2012, was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Kuro no Onna Kyōshi” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The lyrics convey a strong determination to keep moving forward while confronting one’s own weaknesses and insecurities.

When you stumble at work or struggle with relationships, listening to this song gives you the courage to “surpass yourself.” Its sound—woven from heavy guitar riffs and emotional vocals—stirs the listener’s heart, to the point where tears may almost fall.

It’s a song that stands by those who have experienced setbacks or are facing a wall right now.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Released in 2004, this second single is an indispensable classic ballad when talking about Sukima Switch.

It was featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and as a TV drama theme, and in 2006 it was also chosen as the ending theme for the final day of “Nettou Koshien.” The lyrics, depicting a moment of parting, convey the protagonist’s aching attempt to send their feelings to the one who is leaving, along with a wish to remain connected in their hearts.

When you reach a turning point in life—graduation, a job change, and so on—listening to this song will bring back memories from that time, and the tears will naturally start to flow.

With its gentle tempo and piano tones that soak into the heart, it’s a profoundly moving track.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A life spent feeling like a mistake begins to find meaning through a meeting with someone precious.

Imbued with such a bittersweet yet warm message, this work is a gemlike ballad created by two extraordinarily talented artists, Masaki Suda and Kenshi Yonezu.

Kenshi Yonezu wrote and composed the song especially for Suda, pursuing a piece that could only be expressed through his voice.

Released digitally in May 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” and is included on the album “LOVE.” When you are suffering from self-denial or inferiority, or when you are lost in life’s choices, this song will surely stay close to your heart.

Always coming backONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Always Coming Back (Music Video)

With a rock sound, I felt that even as a Japanese singer, your English intonation sounded native-level.

The song is solid and gives a strong sense of message.

The drum break is dramatically crafted, and I think the musicality is something that resonates worldwide.

budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

harborsupittsu

Spitz / Minato

It starts with a gentle band sound, and I think it’s a rock sound that’s very much their style.

Even just the first verse feels stable.

The chorus has a dreamy melody that feels magically pleasant.

How about giving it a try at karaoke while you’re at it?