Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

Songlinekururi

Quruli – Songline

There are probably many people who say, “Music that tries to make you cry actually stops me from crying.” If that’s you, try listening to Quruli.

Their music is relaxed in the best way, and it gently loosens the tension in your heart.

Once you’re in your twenties, you start to appreciate that kind of music more and more, don’t you?

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Saitō Ayumu

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TokyoKetsumeishi

Tokyo / Ketsumeishi - Harumokko☆ (cover)

Included on Ketsumeishi’s fourth album, “Ketsunopolis 4.” For those who came to Tokyo from the countryside to chase their dreams, it’s a nostalgic, tear-jerking song you can’t listen to without crying.

It makes you feel like, “A lot happens, but let’s get back to basics and keep pushing.” Also, the guitar solo is outstanding!

Friends’ SongZūkaraderu

Zookaraderu “Tomodachi no Uta” (Official Music Video)

Zutomayo? Correction: The three-piece rock band ZOOKARADERU is currently drawing major attention in the Japanese rock scene.

While many Japanese rock bands are leaning toward K-pop-like styles, they remain committed to classic Japanese rock.

Their moving masterpiece here is Tomodachi no Uta (Song of Friends).

It features a slow tempo with lyrics and a vocal line that tug at the heart.

While the range isn’t exactly narrow, there’s no falsetto and no need to sustain long notes in the high register, making it a great recommendation for teenage males with lower voices.

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Ryo

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Grim ReaperOmori Seiko

Seiko Oomori 'Shinigami' Music Video

What people seek in music varies from person to person, but I think there are those who listen to music in search of salvation.

If you’re one of them, please give Seiko Oomori’s music a try.

The music she creates affirms everything about you, no matter who you are.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro

Our Summer Dream / Tatsuro Yamashita (Cover)

The theme song of the 2009 film Summer Wars.

It’s a waltz in 3/4 time that evokes a nostalgic Japanese summer of the Showa era.

It’s the kind of song that makes you think, “Is this what I used to ponder back then?” and brings back memories of childhood summers—maybe even enough to make you tear up a little.

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.

A million years of happiness!!Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – 1,000,000 Years of Happiness!! (Short ver.)

This is the song used as the opening theme for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s an uptempo track, but with the theme of “a million years of happiness,” it’s a wonderful song that really makes you think about what happiness is.

The beautiful melody matches the gentle vocals perfectly—I highly recommend it!