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

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

Letter to Tomorrow – Aoi Teshima (Full) Theme song for the getsu9 drama “Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love” cover

I think this song is crafted so that from the piano intro and the first verse, it already feels like the chorus is coming.

The piano and melody feel solid.

It’s arranged with a band sound.

I think it’s best when you listen to it again.

Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children

[025] Miracle Earth / Keisuke Kuwata & Mr.Children (Full/with lyrics) covered by SKYzART

It starts with a count-off and the band’s sound is powerful.

The song was a hit, but the unexpected collaboration pleasantly defies expectations.

From the verse to the chorus, the sense of anticipation is strong, and I think it was a great collaboration that broadened the musical horizons.

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.

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.

What you gave meHOME MADE kazoku

HOME MADE Kazoku 'The Things You Gave Me'

I think this is the kind of song that really hits you in the chest when you listen to it some time after saying goodbye to someone important.

Even if you’re no longer together, you may find yourself remembering your gratitude and the memories you shared, with tears running down your cheeks.

Until the day I can no longer see youMs. OOJA

Ms.OOJA "Until the day I can no longer see you" (Short ver.)

It starts with the piano, followed by a female vocal, and the band sound along with strings really elevates the chorus.

It also gives you the sense that the second verse will be enjoyable.

Why not take this opportunity to try it at karaoke? I’m sure you’ll have a great time.