Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]
Here is the ranking of the “tearjerker songs” that were popular this year.
There were quite a few songs that made us cry this year, too.
These are the tearjerker songs that resonated with many people precisely because they understand pain.
We’ll introduce the most-listened-to tracks of the year in ranking order.
- Sad Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
- HY’s Tearjerker Songs: Top Cry-Inducing and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]
- Miyuki Nakajima’s Tearjerkers: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
Crying Song Rankings [2026] (11–20)
planetariumOtsuka Ai11rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.
Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.
LemonYonezu Kenshi12rank/position
A signature song by Kenshi Yonezu whose sentimental lyrics and wistful melody resonate deeply.
The words, which honor deep love for someone lost and the beautiful memories they left behind, truly strike a chord.
Released in 2018 and written as the theme for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural,” the track became a cultural phenomenon, with its music video surpassing one million views about 13 hours after release.
It’s a moving piece that offers comfort to those grieving the loss of someone dear.
KanadeSukima Suichi13rank/position
A duo’s second single notable for its nostalgic piano timbre and sentimental melody.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough,” among many other tie-ins such as TV dramas and commercials, this track is widely known as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs.
Its lyrics—depicting the straightforward emotions felt at a parting and the unspoken scenes born from caring too much for the other person—likely resonated with many listeners.
Since its release in March 2004, it has been cherished as a Heisei-era classic ballad and a karaoke staple.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE14rank/position
A gem of a duet song that delicately weaves together the tenderness of first love and the poignancy of parting.
Released in 2018 as an insert song for the film “Blue Summer: 30 Days of You and Me,” this piece blends the voices of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue, leaving a fleeting yet warm afterglow.
The lyrics are striking in the way they carefully portray, from both male and female perspectives, the joy of meeting, the foreboding of farewell, and feelings too deep for words.
It’s a heartwarming track that resonates with anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear or wants to cherish irreplaceable memories.
366 daysHY15rank/position
“366 Days,” which was chosen as the theme song for both the drama and film adaptations of Akai Ito—based on a mobile phone novel—is performed by HY, a mixed-genre band from Okinawa.
The track appears on their 2008 album HeartY.
Its lyrics, which portray a heartrending love that perfectly matches the story’s themes, stand out; the universally relatable message—‘Even after a breakup, I can’t stop thinking about you’—resonates deeply.
Set against a jazzy arrangement, Izumi Nakasone’s soulful vocals convey powerful emotion.
Lend an ear to this grand ballad that accompanies every kind of love-related heartache.
GoodbyeGAO16rank/position
A husky-voiced masterpiece by GAO that sings of lost love.
Released in 1992, it was the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Suteki ni Damashite!” The intro is cool, and combined with GAO’s striking visuals, it became a huge hit.
It’s a classic that you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to again whenever it comes to mind, no matter how many years pass.
budKobukuro17rank/position
A heartfelt song that conveys deep feelings for one’s mother.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” it was released in March 2007 as Kobukuro’s 14th single.
Warm acoustic guitar and strings intertwine with the gentle vocals of Kentaro Kobuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda, tenderly enveloping listeners’ hearts.
The lyrics, depicting a protagonist who overcomes the loss of his mother and walks toward his dreams, resonated with many and won the 49th Japan Record Award.
It’s a heartwarming ballad to listen to when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone precious.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism18rank/position
A highly relatable love song by Hige Dandism that captured many hearts.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film adaptation of the popular drama, The Confidence Man JP: The Romance.
It’s a love for someone you adore yet aren’t tied to by the red string of fate.
Many people may have had such an experience in love.
This song vividly portrays emotions that anyone who has endured such an unrequited love can relate to.
If you’ve been there, you’ll almost certainly feel a piercing sense of, “How do they know exactly how I feel?” And after that wave of empathy, you’ll likely find tears streaming down your face.
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi19rank/position
This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.
Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.
Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.
It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.
Happy Endingback number20rank/position
This is the 16th single by the three-piece rock band back number, used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The sentimental strings and delicate acoustic guitar blend together to evoke the heartbreak of lost love.
Released in November 2016, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring Erika Karata.
With a powerful synergy between its story and arrangement, it’s a dramatic number that will move you to tears.