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

GoodbyeGAO15rank/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.

budKobukuro16rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

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.

countrysideTamaki Kōji17rank/position

Pastoral – Koji Tamaki (Full)

Koji Tamaki, known as the vocalist of Anzen Chitai, wrote Denden based on his own experiences.

Its lyrics convey the hardships of life and the hope to keep living.

With a structure that builds toward the chorus, listening to it gives you a rising sense of energy.

It’s also a song whose gentle vocals are soothing.

It both energizes and heals—perfect for the May blues.

Be sure to check it out alongside the self-cover version.

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yamamoto

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PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism18rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

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.

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SAKI

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Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi19rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

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

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.

To the futureKiroro21rank/position

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)

It’s a famous song by Kiroro that’s often sung in music classes and at choral competitions, and it’s also known as a graduation song.

The warm, hope-filled lyrics about slowly moving toward the future make it perfect for weddings, too.

Its beautiful melody and refreshing vocals are a song that truly touches the heart.