An emotional song sung by an idol—tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of feelings.
If you’re an idol fan, you probably have a few favorite songs that move you to tears whenever you hear them.
Beyond the lyrics themselves, there are many songs that move us because of the stories behind them—like the members’ feelings infused into the music and their live performances.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of touching songs by idols all at once.
Each track has its own story, so be sure to listen while reading the lyrics.
A moving song sung by an idol. Tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (1–10)
I want to become invisible.NEW!Number_i
A solo number by Shiyoh Hirano that drew major attention for being produced by singer-songwriter Vaundy.
Layering everyday scenes and changing skies, it delicately expresses the wish to melt into the presence of someone special, sung over a soothing band sound.
Included on the album “No.I,” released in September 2024, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles chart and has been loved by many listeners.
Give it a listen when you feel a bit worn out by busy days or want to quietly reflect alone at night.
Hirano’s gentle vocals will softly stay by your side and calm an anxious heart.
I/meNEW!SixTONES
There are times when, the moment you notice your own feelings, your heart starts moving on its own and you’re left bewildered, aren’t there? This work by the popular group SixTONES is a ballad released in June 2022 as their seventh single.
It was used as an insert song for the drama “Why Would You Do Love Seriously?” starring member Hokuto Matsumura, and it recorded 471,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Because of its deliberately sparse, minimal arrangement, the delicate breaths and contours of the six members’ words stand out vividly.
The chorus, which unfolds like an emotional dam bursting, is so dramatic it tightens your chest.
It’s a masterpiece also included on the album “Koe” (“Voice”), perfect for immersing yourself alone on a quiet night.
I don’t need wings.NEW!AKB48
This work features a pleasantly nostalgic, folk-inspired melody.
Released as a single in June 2016, it marked Mion Mukaichi’s first time as center.
The warm lyrics—telling you it’s okay not to rush, that even without wings you can keep walking firmly on the ground—really resonate.
The music video, crafted with a worldview reminiscent of the student movements of the 1970s, also drew attention, and the song is known as the theme for the Amazon Prime Video drama “AKB48 Sousenkyo Scandal: Akiba Document.” With the acoustic guitar tones layered with the members’ gentle chorus, it’s a track packed with a timeless charm that transcends generations.
Its relaxed tempo and comfortable range make it easy to sing, so it’s also a great pick when you want to raise your voices together and have fun at karaoke.
Color contacts winkNEW!AKB48
This dazzling number was created as the culmination of Yuki Kashiwagi’s idol career, with Kashiwagi—who has long led the group—serving as center for the first time on her own.
You can practically picture the bittersweet scene of unrequited love, where feelings are conveyed not through words, but through glances and gestures.
Released as a single in March 2024, it was composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, the hitmaker behind numerous chart-toppers.
The melody, blending nostalgia and freshness, is sure to set listeners’ hearts dancing.
In the music video, a world surrounded by colorful flowers beautifully portrays the “life of an idol.” Perfect for the spring season, this work gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter.
It’s an ideal track when you want to immerse yourself in a classic idol song.
Because I like you.NEW!AKB48
This piece could be called a hidden gem by AKB48, a song about pure love that asks for nothing in return.
Riding on a driving, fast-paced band sound, it delivers a heartfelt message in classic idol-pop fashion.
Originally included as a B-side to the single “RIVER,” released in October 2009, it gained such passionate support from fans that it proudly took 2nd place at the following year’s Request Hour.
It was also used as the theme for the Wii game Tōmajiden commercials, so some listeners may already find it familiar.
The bright vocals from the Under Girls, including Aki Takajo, give listeners a powerful push forward.
If you listen when you’re feeling down or when you want to cheer someone on with all your might, you’re sure to get a dose of positive energy.
You are the melody.NEW!AKB48
An anniversary song that can truly be called monumental, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of AKB48’s formation.
Amid a dazzling sound that evokes the arrival of spring, a bittersweet melody tinged with nostalgia intertwines—doesn’t it make your heart flutter every time you listen? Released in March 2016 as their 43rd single, this track drew major attention for featuring legendary graduates like Atsuko Maeda and Yuko Oshima.
The vividly colored music video, directed by Mika Ninagawa and inspired by “Ōoku,” is striking, and the song was also widely known as the theme for GYAO! commercials.
Why not pick it for karaoke with friends reuniting after a while, or when you want to bask in fond memories?
Search for Diamond Lily＝LOVE
Cherry blossoms, an old school building, a uniform button—packed with such scenes of spring, this =LOVE song is the group’s fifth single, released in April 2019.
With lyrics written by Rino Sashihara and a fresh melody crafted by multiple composers, it pairs a bright tempo with lyrics that gently ache with the passage of time.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
The track was also featured in Mr.
Fusion’s programming school “Prosta Kids” commercial.
In its story-driven music video, the turmoil of parting with friends is portrayed with care.
It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but also for anyone who struggles to put their gratitude for friends into words.
Listen as spring arrives, and you’ll feel moved to cherish the time you have with the people who matter most.