Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

far; distant; by farGReeeeN78rank/position

GReeeeN – Haruka

I’d like to introduce a moving ballad where the loneliness of leaving home intertwines with a strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

This work by GReeeeN expresses gratitude to the parents who raised us, and every listen warms the heart by reminding us of family love.

Released in May 2009 as their 11th single, it’s also famous as the theme song for the blockbuster film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” By setting aside the rap parts to let the vocals take center stage, the song resonates deeply.

It’s perfect not only for students about to leave home, but also for adults who’ve long been out in society and want to recall their original resolve.

Highly recommended as background music for graduation season or for videos expressing thanks to someone special.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro79rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

A singer-songwriter with a voice of “steel and glass” that resonates in the heart, Motohiro Hata delivers a moving ballad.

Its lyrics, which depict the warmth of those who stay by your side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when you’re apart, gently accompany the season of farewells.

Released as a single in August 2014, this song was created as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

Its messages, which overlap with the film’s story, struck a chord with many people, and by 2015 it had become such a massive hit that it dominated the karaoke charts.

No matter if the paths we walk diverge in the future, our hearts will always remain connected—this is a song that inspires that kind of hope.

Sing it arm-in-arm with friends at graduations or farewell parties as they set off on new journeys, and it will surely become a memory that lasts a lifetime!

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE80rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.

In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.

Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE81rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This is a poignant song that delicately expresses feelings hidden deep in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it centers on the importance of staying true to yourself.

While carrying loneliness and anxiety, it conveys gratitude toward those who accept you as you are, resulting in a track that deeply resonates with the emotions of younger generations who grapple with inner pain and conflict.

With an emotive melody that epitomizes Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and a powerful, heart-stirring message, this work is sure to support anyone who seeks to face themselves and move forward.

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako82rank/position

Unchanging Things

This is a piece with a beautiful piano melody, perfect for those summer evenings when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Through the lyrics—almost as if a character in a film were speaking directly to you—feelings of nostalgia for irreplaceable days gone by and a deep, unwavering affection for someone precious, unchanged by time, come straight through via Hanako Oku’s clear, translucent voice.

If you’ve ever had those sudden moments when a memory rushes back and your chest tightens, this will really resonate.

The song is included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, and can also be heard on the album “TIME NOTE,” released in March 2007.

It is also known for coloring some of the most moving scenes as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a work I hope you’ll experience at least once in a summer filled with youthful memories—friendship, first love, and more.

The summer you gave meieiri reo83rank/position

Leo Ieiri - “The Summer You Gave Me” (Full Ver.)

When it comes to summer songs by Leo Ieiri, who is well-known for her ballads, “Kimi ga Kureta Natsu” stands out.

The lyrics, depicting the feelings of a man parting from the one he loves, are sure to resonate with many.

The song is also known as the theme for the 2015 drama “Koinaka.” Listening to it may remind many of the drama’s heartrending story.

In addition, the music video, in which Leo Ieiri sings on a bench at night, deepens the poignant mood.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a summer night.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

seems like (just) my imaginationChōchō P84rank/position

[GUMI] Kokoronashi [Original PV] / [papiyon feat. GUMI] Kokoronashi [Original]

A timeless song whose poignant feelings resonate in your ears.

Released in 2014, this track is by Chouchou-P.

GUMI’s gentle vocals shine throughout.

You’ll be moved by the story of a robot “me” who realizes he has a heart through his love for a human girl “you.” It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’re heartbroken and sad, or when you feel lonely.

It might give you a chance to face the emotions deep within your heart.