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

youikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Anata” MV (Short Ver.) + SPOT Video

It’s a song that’s very much in Ikimono-gakari’s style, and the arrangement also has an originality that clearly says it’s them.

The sense of anticipation from the A-melody to the chorus is great, and of course it’s enjoyable when it hits the chorus.

The lyrics carry a strong message while remaining steady, making it relaxing to listen to.

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

It starts with piano and strings, and of course there’s acoustic guitar too, giving it their signature feel.

The arrangement brings the strings forward, creating a natural flow—from the A verse to the chorus—where the upbeat lyrics and seamless progression make it almost hard to tell where one section ends and the next begins.

futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” Comics “orange” ver.

The intro piano is striking, and from the A verse there was a stable voice.

Around the B verse, the two voices overlap, and I think it’s a message song.

I also felt a strong sense of anticipation for the chorus.

How about taking this opportunity to try it at karaoke?

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Departure”

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ seventh single, “Tabidachi” (“Departure”).

Released in 2008, it didn’t become an explosive hit, but it still enjoyed moderate success: it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Bokutachi to Chuzaishan no 700 Nichi Sensō” (The 700 Days’ War: Us and the Police Officer) and reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Men in their early 30s may find it familiar.

In short, the song features a fairly simple, uniform vocal line with very gentle pitch movement.

However, it contains a fair number of long notes and the overall range is somewhat high, so it’s necessary to set the key so you can sustain long tones at a relatively high pitch.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

This song resonates with lyrics full of kindness and empathy.

Without hiding its own naivety, it gently conveys the desire to live life in one’s own way, carried by a warm, soothing melody.

It tenderly embraces everyday doubts and inner conflicts, as well as the ache of not being able to speak one’s true feelings, resulting in a track that stands by every listener.

Released by Aqua Timez in July 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

It was also used in Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: Hakone Ekiden commercial, and has been loved by many.

This is a song you’ll want to hear when your heart is wavering or when you’re facing an important decision.

It’s also easy to follow the melody for karaoke, allowing you to sing it with heartfelt emotion.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.