Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

I loved (it/you)erica92rank/position

erica – “I Loved You” Full PV

A ballad by singer-songwriter Erica that weaves together the ache of heartbreaking unrequited love and the feelings left unspoken, set to the sound of piano.

The sorrow of a breakup and the pain of parting are delicately expressed through her clear, translucent voice.

Released in November 2015 and included on the album “Koku-uta 2: Things I Want to Tell You Before Graduation,” this song stands by those who have experienced parting, offering the courage to face forward while embracing the pain.

It will gently envelop the hearts of those who cannot accept the end of a romance, or who carry the regret of not having conveyed their feelings before it was over.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro93rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This song drew a huge response as the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It’s a classic that captures warm feelings of caring for one another and the hope that, even after parting, you’ll meet again.

Motohiro Hata’s gentle voice deepens the sense of a strong bond with someone dear.

Released as a single in August 2014, it was later included on the album “Ao no Kokei.” The track was also featured in NTT West commercials and on TV programs.

Its straightforward message—that hearts remain connected even when people are apart—makes it a perfect song to send off friends you’ve spent time with or colleagues setting out on a new path.

Why not give it as a gift, with a feeling of gratitude and a wish to give back?

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako94rank/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.

seems like (just) my imaginationChōchō P95rank/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.

The summer you gave meieiri reo96rank/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.

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SparkleRADWIMPS97rank/position

Sparkle [original ver.] -Your Name. Music Video edition- Trailer from the new album “Ningen Kaika” First Press Limited Edition DVD

RADWIMPS is a rock band that captivates many listeners with their grand soundscapes.

Among their works, the one I’d recommend for emotional reels and stories is a piece created for a certain feature-length animated film.

It sings, with heart-wrenching melodies, of the fleeting brilliance of moments spent with a loved one within limited time, and of the poignant longing to reunite even when apart.

This song was included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016, and drew major attention as the track that colors the film’s climactic scenes.

Its dramatic progression—from a quiet piano motif to a sweeping full-band sound—makes it perfect for videos compiling memories with someone special, so be sure to check it out.

Please forget it.Yorushika98rank/position

Yorushika – Please Forget (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A song by Yorushika whose gentle melody and soul-soothing vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The theme centers on self-sacrificial love, as the narrator wishes for their beloved to “forget” them for the sake of the beloved’s future.

Yet behind those words seems to lie a desperate, contradictory feeling of “I actually don’t want you to forget,” and that tension tightens the listener’s chest.

Released in July 2024 as the theme song for the drama “GO HOME: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department—Unidentified Persons Consultation Office,” this sentimental number quietly stays by your side on nights when you’re nursing heartbreak or immersing yourself in memories of someone dear.