Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
When you think of tear-jerking songs, what kind of tracks come to mind?
From heart-wrenching breakup songs to ones about losing someone forever, J-pop is full of songs with many different stories.
Even beyond those themes, there are also songs that overlap with your own experiences and bring you to tears.
This time, we’ve put together a list of emotional songs by female artists that we recommend for the yutori generation.
Of course, these are all masterpieces that will resonate with people of any generation, not just those from the yutori generation, so be sure to check them out!
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Tears for a heartrending story... Songs that make women cry, recommended for the Yutori generation (1–10)
Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE is a duo that has remained at the forefront of the J-POP scene for many years, crafting pop songs infused with diverse musical elements like soul, jazz, and R&B.
Their 31st single, released in February 2004, was written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Suna no Utsuwa” (The Castle of Sand).
The lyrics, expressing deep love for someone precious, focus on wholeheartedly cherishing the present moment and feeling happiness.
The warm arrangement centered on strings and piano is striking, enhancing the drama’s sentimental mood.
It’s a moving song you’ll want to listen to when you wish to reflect on your relationship with someone important.
Stop this nightJUJU
JUJU’s 15th single is a gem of a ballad that depicts the heartbreak of a bittersweet farewell in love.
Released in November 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Guilty: Akuma to Keiyaku Shita Onna.” The wistful melody and JUJU’s richly emotive vocals vividly convey the pain of a broken heart.
Its earnest plea is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song we especially recommend to women troubled by love and to anyone who has experienced parting from someone precious.
Singing it at karaoke and shedding a few tears is recommended, too.
SAKURAIkimonogakari
Set against the backdrop of spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, this song portrays partings and new beginnings.
It features gently resonant acoustic guitar and strings, with a wistful yet beautiful melody that leaves a strong impression.
Released in March 2006, it was also used as the CM song for NTT East Japan’s “DENPO115” in the East Japan area.
This piece is one you’ll want to listen to during graduation and farewell season, and it’s especially beloved by students.
In 2021, it was also selected as the CM song for McDonald’s “Teritama Burger,” making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with many people across generations.
Tears for a heartrending story… Songs that make women cry, recommended for the Yutori generation (11–20)
When cherry-blossom hues danceMika Nakashima
A song that delicately depicts the changing seasons and gently cradles a bittersweet love.
Mika Nakashima’s transparent, airy vocals beautifully capture the fleeting moment of falling cherry blossoms.
Released in February 2005, this work has been covered by various artists and has resonated with many hearts.
When you look back on memories that pass with the arrival of spring, this song is sure to soothe you.
A heartfelt ballad recommended for moments when you want to feel the poignancy and transience of love.
planetariumAi Otsuka
It’s a song themed around feelings of bittersweet love and lost time, with lyrics that poignantly overlay emotions onto the beautiful scenery of a planetarium.
Ai Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals, paired with an arrangement centered on piano and strings, heighten the sense of poignancy even further.
Released in September 2005, the track was also used as an image song for the drama “Boys Over Flowers,” capturing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to feel the wistfulness of late summer or reminisce about past love.
A Bouquet for YouHikaru Utada
A ballad where piano and strings resonate deeply with the heart.
Released in April 2016 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” this piece unfolds around themes of profound love, gratitude, and parting.
The beautiful image of putting one’s feelings for a cherished person into a bouquet and presenting it to them is especially striking.
It received high acclaim, including winning an Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards.
This is a song I particularly recommend to those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, or who hold feelings of gratitude too deep to fully express in words.
Let me bloom flowers to adorn you.GARNET CROW
A poignant yet powerful number from GARNET CROW.
This song was used as the ending theme for the anime Monkey Turn and is included on a single released in June 2004.
The resolve to live strongly for the one you love is beautifully conveyed through Yuri Nakamura’s clear vocals and the emotional melody.
Its forward-looking message about overcoming hardships and building the future is likely to give you courage when you feel close to breaking.
Beloved by fans and featured on various best-of albums, this track encapsulates the appeal of GARNET CROW.