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

180°yamazaru

180°

A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.

Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.

Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.

The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.

The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.

It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.

It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.

Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.

Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.

It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.

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!

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.

Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.

Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.

I want to see you.yuzu

Aitai

In April 2009, Yuzu released a gem of a ballad imbued with a stirring melody and deep feelings for a loved one.

Created by Kitagawa as an expression of gratitude and love for his late father, the song touched many hearts as the theme for the NHK drama “Ghost Friends.” Carried by a warm piano tone and a beautiful string arrangement, it gives voice to a heartfelt wish for a beloved person who has been lost.

Their moving performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains fresh in memory, and the song was also included on the album “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” where it continues to be cherished.

It is a piece that gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced the parting of a dear one or who carry feelings they cannot fully express.

Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

A classic youth anthem that delicately portrays the wavering emotions of adolescence.

Past and present, hope and anxiety, the shift from boyhood to adulthood—the melody woven from conflicting feelings continues to resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Released in July 1990, the song was used as the theme for the drama “City Forest” and peaked at No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also included on the album “JUSTICE,” and was re-released as a double A-side single in 2003.

When city life wears you down, when you’re striving far from home, or when you feel nostalgic for your youth, this song is sure to be there for you.

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Set to melodies that gently stay close to the heart, this moving story by Macaroni Empitsu captures the shifting patterns of human emotion.

The lead track from their August 2023 album, “Otona no Namida” (“Tears of Adults”), delicately depicts the fleeting feelings found in farewells with family and in everyday life.

Hattori’s clear, transparent vocals and the softly unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.

The song also drew attention for its music video directed by Yoshihito Mori, known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults.” Through the perspective of a protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks profound questions about the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for loved ones or soothe the quiet emotions they carry inside.