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

Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau

Be Happy. – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

Kana’u Matsumura, who has been gaining attention after posting a singing video on TikTok, is in the spotlight.

The heartbreak song he’s known for—one that listeners say moves them to tears—is “You’re Going to Be Happy.” The first half of the song reflects on memories with a former lover from a male perspective, while the latter half expresses wishes for the ex’s future happiness.

It’s a bittersweet and sorrowful piece, yet its appeal lies in the hopeful feeling woven into it.

Although it’s sung mostly in a high tone, the slow tempo should make it easy to sing.

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Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

Spitz’s “Kaede,” released in 1998.

If you’re in your twenties, you might even think, “That’s from when I was born!” It’s a slightly old song, but it’s truly moving and really tugs at the heartstrings.

It’s probably been loved for so long because it’s such a good song.

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utatane

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even ifHirai Ken

Ken Hirai - even if

It’s Ken Hirai’s 11th single, released in 2000.

It’s a kind of heartbreak song, but it’s about a man’s desperate feelings as he tries to somehow keep a woman—who isn’t interested in him—by his side.

I think there are quite a lot of men who’ve been through something like this, you know.

weak insectBaba Toshihide

Toshihide Baba – Weak Insect (MV edit)

A Japanese singer-songwriter who began a solo career in ’93.

This song, especially when watched together with its music video, truly brings you to tears.

It tells of a man who faces many hardships—bullying, work troubles, even false accusations—and though he feels like running away time and again, he resolves to live earnestly with the support of his family.

It’s a song that makes you feel you can keep going no matter how tough things get.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

“Youngsters’ Everything” by Fujifabric, released in 2007.

Although it’s a song from over a decade ago, you still hear it often these days, even being used in commercials.

It’s a song about the bittersweet end of summer, filled with elements that tighten your chest and make you want to cry.

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In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – In the Useless (Official Video)

This song was released in March 2011 as Gen Hoshino’s first solo single.

Centered on the theme of love found in everyday, ordinary moments, it depicts scenes like smelling each other’s hair and feeling that the scent of a neck is like bread.

As Hoshino himself has said, it’s “the first love song I wrote head-on,” imbued with the desire to express love without saying “I love you.” Carried by the gentle sound of an acoustic guitar, his voice murmurs about commonplace happenings and emotions—so moving it might bring you to tears.

It’s the perfect song to listen to when you feel a sudden sense of happiness while spending quiet, ordinary time with someone you cherish.

Memories of Tomorrowarashi

ARASHI – Memory of Tomorrow [Official Music Video]

This is the theme song for the drama The Quiz Show, starring Sho Sakurai of the Johnny’s group Arashi.

The melody, tinged with melancholy, is truly beautiful.

It’s a song well-loved among Arashi fans and is also one of those ballads that can bring you to tears.