Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

balladKetsumeishi22rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi23rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

A J-pop number by Kenshi Yonezu that delicately portrays the subtleties of a heart that can’t be honest.

His vocals, filled with tenderness and longing for a precious presence right before you, blend with the clear resonance of an acoustic guitar to deeply touch the heart.

You want to express your feelings, yet can’t quite weave the right words.

Those fragile emotions meld with a beautiful melody infused with elements of alternative rock.

Chosen as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s 2014 advertising campaign “Color your days.” and included on the album YANKEE, this piece closely resonates with anyone who struggles to speak their true feelings or wishes to express love for their family.

NAOHY24rank/position

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.

The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.

Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.

It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.

Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.

If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?

CorrectRADWIMPS25rank/position

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

It’s RADWIMPS’s track that answers the wish to raise your voices together one last time with friends before graduation.

It drew attention for their collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds at NHK’s “18 Fes,” and is included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION.

In school, you’re expected to provide the right answers to given questions, but once you enter society, you have to carve out your own path.

This song gently pushes the backs of young people stepping into such an uncertain future.

The lyrics capture both the parting from irreplaceable friends and the resolve to embark on each person’s new life.

When you stand at a crossroads like higher education or getting a job, the faces of your dear friends are sure to come to mind.

It’s a friendship song recommended for those who want to reaffirm a bond that lets you believe your hearts remain connected even when you’re apart.

Viva La VidaColdplay26rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

Coldplay is an award-winning British rock band.

This song was released in 2008.

Its Japanese title is “Beautiful Life,” but it sings of the sorrow of a king driven from his country.

At the 51st Grammy Awards, it won in three categories.

It is a collaboration with the avant-garde musician Brian Eno.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi27rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

CHARMWANIMA28rank/position

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A song by WANIMA characterized by a powerful punk-rock sound and an uplifting message.

Included on their major-label first album “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018, it was also used in commercials for Kikkoman and “Juken ni in Jelly.” The lyrics convey a sense of connection that transcends the bond and distance between the band and their fans.

Teaching the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to have the courage to move forward even in difficult times, this track is recommended for those who want to reaffirm friendship and bonds.