Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Composition nerdSugar-free
Hello! I’m Mutou, always on the hunt for emo vibes in music. Ever since I heard Spitz playing on the car stereo back in elementary school, I’ve been captivated by music. My tastes are broad—Japanese rock, UK sounds, EDM, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and more. I enjoy composing using guitar, keyboard, and DAW. Wishing all music lovers wonderful encounters through music!

Do you go to karaoke to refresh yourself or relieve stress?

I think many people want to belt out songs at the top of their lungs to blow off steam, but if you want to feel even more refreshed, I recommend singing songs that make you cry!

Whether you cry while singing yourself or shed tears listening to the person you’re with sing, letting your emotions flow through a heartfelt song is a wonderful thing—and it will leave your heart feeling clear.

In this article, we’ll focus on tear-jerking songs to help you choose your setlist and introduce some recommended tracks!

Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke (11–20)

If you call it loveUru

[Official] Uru “If You Call That Love” — Theme song for the TBS Sunday Theater drama “My Family”

If you call it love, Uru

It’s a moving song that sings of deep love and life’s renewal.

It portrays the value of learning from failure and growing, and it expresses the profound bond with a loved one.

Released in June 2022, it was used as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “My Family.” Uru wrote and composed the song, with arrangement by Takeshi Kobayashi.

The work conveys changing relationships with others and the desire to rebuild them, singing about the process of realizing the importance of what was almost lost.

It’s perfect for those who want to sing their heart out at karaoke and shed some tears.

If you sing it with feeling, you’ll surely feel refreshed.

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StoryAI

AI – Story

StoryAI

Since its release, this signature song by AI has been a longtime karaoke staple, beloved by many! As a gentle ballad, it’s a perfect choice for confident singers to captivate the crowd.

If you can recreate AI’s rich, soulful tone, you’ll nail it.

And the most moving part of this song is, of course, the chorus, filled with warm, love-soaked lyrics.

The heartfelt message, brimming with care for the other person, is sure to loosen the listeners’ tear ducts.

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It's nothing.Macaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

It's nothing, Macaroni Enpitsu

A signature song by Macaroni Empitsu, who won the Best New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards in 2021.

It’s a track overflowing with the frustration of realizing that no matter how hard you try to put things into words, what truly matters can’t be expressed—and yet with a feeling of deep affection.

The simple, lovely lyrics are soothing to the heart.

Although the song has a wide vocal range, its basic rhythm is slow, so it should be relatively easy to sing.

Even if your delivery is unpolished, if you can convey a sense of wistfulness, you may be able to move listeners in a warm, gentle way.

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If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

If we smile at the sky - wacci

When it comes to songs that make you cry, this track by wacci is the one.

Its warm lyrics, centered on themes of hard work, youth, and friendship, really resonate.

It went viral on social media and particularly struck a chord with junior and senior high school students.

Released in July 2018 as a digital-only single, it stands out for its content that evokes high school baseball.

It’s beloved by many listeners, even topping LINE MUSIC’s real-time ranking.

Singing it at karaoke might bring tears as you remember the days you worked so hard.

And if you sing it with friends, it’s sure to strengthen your bond.

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Happy Endingback number

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

Happy End back number

When it comes to tearjerkers at karaoke, breakup songs are a must! The one I want to introduce is this signature track by back number.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a woman who still loves the man but ends up breaking up with him.

What makes this song truly moving and tear-inducing is the woman’s earnest, selfless behavior.

Even during the breakup conversation, she puts on a brave face and acts cheerful, and that facade brings a wave of heartache that’s sure to make you cry.

back number is a go-to artist for karaoke, and I think it’s a great choice for anyone, regardless of gender.

Highly recommended.

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Thank youIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Thank you, Ikimono-gakari

With moving lyrics and melody, this song resonates deeply.

Released in 2010, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo.

It was Ikimonogakari’s first single to feature only one track, and the 555-yen price became a talking point.

In the music video, filmed in the ballroom at Cliffside in Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, the three members perform and sing before an audience—an especially striking scene.

The lyrics express gratitude to a cherished person, making it popular as a graduation song; it was also included in high school music textbooks for the 2013 academic year.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to cry at karaoke or convey your thanks to someone important.

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Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke (21–30)

AlgernonYorushika

Yorushika – Algernon (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Algernon Yorushika

This song, with its unforgettable beautiful melody and profound storytelling, moves the hearts of its listeners.

Released digitally in February 2023, it was used as the theme song for TBS’s Tuesday drama “Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu.” Packed with Yorushika’s distinctive worldview, the piece prompts reflection on growth, hope, and the human condition.

The music video combines clay animation with live-action footage to create a unique visual work themed around the “breath and cycle of life.” It’s a perfect song for those who want to sing their hearts out at karaoke and shed some tears.

If you sing it with feeling, you’re sure to feel refreshed.

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