Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]

DEPARTURESglobe8rank/position

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

A love song that defined the ’90s, where a heart-stirringly beautiful melody and gentle vocals resonate deep in your chest.

Through the faint hopes and anxieties born from sharing the same days, and the eventual parting and new beginnings, this single—released in February 1996—lovingly captures the memories the two protagonists walked together.

Its familiar dance tune and bittersweet romantic feelings lead you into a breathtakingly dramatic progression.

Featured in JR East’s ski campaign “JR ski ski,” it was etched into many people’s hearts alongside the striking visuals of Yutaka Takenouchi and Makiko Esumi.

An eternal classic from globe, dedicated to everyone setting out on a new path.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE9rank/position

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

A poignant song themed around farewells in youth.

Its lyrics, depicting a parting with friends at summer’s end, resonate with many and often move listeners to tears.

Released in August 2001, the track was also chosen as the theme song for a TBS drama, which quickly boosted its recognition.

The melody, grounded in an acoustic sound, and the members’ clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the bittersweet scene of parting.

Reflecting on memories with friends while speaking of hope for the future, the lyrics are perfect for cultural festivals and school festival scenes.

When you want to reaffirm the bonds with your friends, give it a listen.

planetariumOtsuka Ai10rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

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.

KanadeSukima Suichi11rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

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.

Happy Endingback number12rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

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.

GoodbyeGAO13rank/position

GAO – Sayonara [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

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.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number14rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.

The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.

Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.