The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs

See youDREAMS COME TRUE

Matane

It’s a timeless song that wraps a farewell with a loved one in warm hope.

Created by the pop duo DREAMS COME TRUE, the track layers Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals over a wistful melody, evoking not only loneliness but also the promise of meeting again.

The pure chorus sung by children further heightens the emotional impact of the story.

After being included on the album “AND I LOVE YOU,” it was released as a single in February 2008 and chosen as the theme song for the film “ONE PIECE Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura.” Commissioned directly by the original author, it was crafted into a moving piece that closely matches the film’s worldview.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to look ahead during graduation and departure seasons.

See youDREAMS COME TRUE

Matane

It’s a timeless song that wraps a farewell with a loved one in warm hope.

Created by the pop duo DREAMS COME TRUE, the track layers Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals over a wistful melody, evoking not only loneliness but also the promise of meeting again.

The pure chorus sung by children further heightens the emotional impact of the story.

After being included on the album “AND I LOVE YOU,” it was released as a single in February 2008 and chosen as the theme song for the film “ONE PIECE Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura.” Commissioned directly by the original author, it was crafted into a moving piece that closely matches the film’s worldview.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to look ahead during graduation and departure seasons.

It's nothing.RADWIMPS

Nandemonaiya (Movie Version)

This song captivates with its soul-penetrating melody and delicate lyrics.

Created by RADWIMPS, it is included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016.

It was also used as the ending theme for the film of the same name, capturing the hearts of many.

The piece delicately portrays subtle emotional shifts in everyday life and the realizations that arise within human relationships, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Listening to it again after watching the film allows you to grasp the deeper meanings of the lyrics.

It is a moving track that conveys the sorrow of parting from someone dear and the wish to share the precious time that remains.

Your Memorymao

Hakuoki: Your Memory [Recollection, Part Two] Hijikata × Chizuru YouTube via torchbrowser.com Monarudo

The ending theme of the anime Hakuoki.

The melody sits mostly in the mid to low range, slow and weighty.

It’s a love-themed song, and you can feel the emotions for the beloved person throughout the lyrics.

In the final chorus there’s a brief moment of held-back rhythm, and the vocals resonate deeply in your heart.

It makes you realize you can’t forget the one you truly loved, and there’s no substitute for them.

GarnetHanako Oku

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Acoustic Performance)

This is a wonderful song that etches each fleeting moment of youth into the heart.

It gently portrays school grounds, after-school scenes, and the everyday moments we tend to overlook, while weaving in feelings for a cherished person, resulting in a tender composition.

Okuda Hanako’s clear, translucent voice warmly sings of memories that never fade with time and emotions that remain unchanged, making this a particularly memorable track.

Released in July 2006 as her fourth single, it was selected as the theme song for the animated feature film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, peaking at No.

51 on the Oricon charts and staying on the charts for 19 weeks.

Accompanied by a simple piano tone that brings back nostalgic memories, this song is one you’ll want to hear if you’ve experienced parting with someone dear or are about to take a new step forward.

Night journeyYorushika

Yorushika – Night Journey (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This is a moving song where a literary narrative and Suis’s pure vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

The melodies crafted by n-buna delicately portray the stillness and loneliness of the night, as well as a glimmer of hope.

Listening to this piece feels as if you’re standing beside the characters, and it might even bring some listeners to tears.

Released in March 2020, it is also included on the highly acclaimed album “Tōsaku” (“Plagiarism”).

This masterpiece won an award at the 13th CD Shop Awards in 2021, and it beautifully colored the story as an insert song in the anime film “A Whisker Away,” released in June 2020.

It’s perfect for listening when you’re gazing at the night sky alone or when you need a gentle push forward.

It’s an ideal song for those who want to feel the emotions woven into the lyrics.

BOW AND ARROWKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.

Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.

It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.

Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.

It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.