Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

CorrectRADWIMPS29rank/position

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

A gem-like ballad by RADWIMPS that stands beside everyone at a crossroads in life.

There are no ready-made answers like on a school test; the path you choose for yourself is what’s truly precious—a warm yet powerful message that strikes straight to the heart.

Its moving arrangement, layered with a student chorus, is guaranteed to bring listeners to tears.

Originally performed with 1,000 young people at NHK’s “RADWIMPS 18 Festival” in 2018, it garnered a huge response.

The long-awaited studio recording was released in January 2024.

Perfect for graduation and seasons of departure, this work also resonates deeply with adults who carry doubts.

May it give you the courage to find the answer that belongs only to you.

balladKetsumeishi30rank/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 Kenshi31rank/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.

NAOHY32rank/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?

Stay With MeSam Smith33rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A signature track from British singer-songwriter Sam Smith’s 2014 debut album, “In the Lonely Hour.” The song captures the morning after a one-night encounter, expressing not love for the other person but a yearning simply to have someone by their side.

Even knowing the feelings will never be returned, the urgent desire to fill the void of loneliness is conveyed with piercing clarity through Smith’s delicate yet powerful vocals.

The gospel-tinged chorus swells in the refrain, bringing listeners to tears.

Winner of the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, this piece offers solace to anyone grappling with heartbreak or loneliness.

Bad DayDaniel Powter34rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

It was a huge hit in Japan as well, so I think you’ve heard it at least once.

As the Japanese title “Bad Day: A Cheer-Up Song for Unlucky Days” suggests, it’s an uplifting song that can even ease the pain of heartbreak a little.

Since many people know it, it’s one of those Western songs that can really get the crowd going at karaoke.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi35rank/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?