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

Just, thank you.MONKEY MAJIK

MONKEY MAJIK / Just, Thank You

This is a song by MONKEY MAJIK that’s often used at weddings.

It’s a real tearjerker when you listen while thinking of someone you want to thank—your parents, friends, or partner—or when you use it at your own wedding.

It’s a very beautiful piece.

Your SongYasuda Rei

Rei Yasuda 'Kimi no Uta' Video Clip – TV Anime 'Natsume's Book of Friends Roku' Ending Theme

It starts off with a drama-like atmosphere, then the quiet first verse comes in.

It flows into the pre-chorus and smoothly reaches the chorus.

It’s sung by a female vocalist, but the lyrics resonate with men as well, and even when you’re tired, it gives you a little boost.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to when you’re in that mood, time and again.

SymphonyHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Symphony (Music Video)

A song by Dai Hirai that powerfully sings of feelings for a loved one, as if telling a hero’s story of life.

Like the heroes we all admired, the determination to grow stronger for the sake of someone you must protect strikes a chord.

Produced in April 2023 as the theme song for the live-action film “TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room — The Movie,” it beautifully blends Hirai’s gentle, warm vocals with the grandeur of an orchestral sound.

The lyrics, linked to the film’s worldview, are sure to gently encourage everyone striving for the sake of someone dear.

Filled with love, Hirai’s voice makes this a song you’ll want to hear when your feelings for family, a partner, friends, or anyone special grow strong.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)

It starts with strings, then brings in piano and percussion, leading into an A-melody, B-melody, and a fun chorus.

The chorus in particular is great—you might want to listen to it over and over.

From the second verse, electric guitar joins in, giving it a full band sound.

In any case, the chorus is excellent, so please give it a listen.

Bye-bye.yamazaru

Yamazaru 'Bye-bye..'

It starts with a piano intro, then a male vocal comes in over the verse and leads into the chorus.

I think it’s also a message song.

It feels like a memory suddenly comes flooding back.

How about taking this opportunity to sing it at karaoke?

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

With a shamisen and piano, the intro is long, and it feels like a pop song with shamisen-accompanied singing that gradually draws you into his world before you realize it.

I feel a growing sense of anticipation for the chorus, as if noticing that it actually began right from the intro’s refrain gives me a bit of energy again.

tear(s)GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE / “Namida” Music Video (Short Version) – with lyrics

The piano solo leads into the intro, the vocal comes in on the first verse (A-melo), then it transitions in the pre-chorus (B-melo), building enjoyable anticipation for the chorus.

It might be classic Japanese pop.

I think the second verse will go by in a similar way.

And while we’re at it, how about some karaoke?