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

Azure RabbitNoriko Sakai31rank/position

Noriko Sakai Blue Rabbit

Noriko Sakai’s “Aoi Usagi” (Blue Rabbit) was also the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Hoshi no Kinka,” in which she herself appeared.

Sakai played the protagonist—a character with a now shockingly tragic backstory of having been abandoned as an orphan due to being deaf and mute.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi32rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who enjoys immense popularity as a Vocaloid producer and gained nationwide support with the massive hit of his major 8th single “Lemon.” This song, also included on the album STRAY SHEEP, was released in August 2019 and won numerous awards.

Born amid a chaotic social climate, the track portrays a strong spirit that confronts adversity and a clumsy yet pure wish.

The lyrics, which use “horse” and “deer” as metaphors, prompt us to rediscover the intrinsic value and beauty of being human.

It’s a moving number to listen to when you want to face yourself and cherish the wishes deep in your heart.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS33rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

A Fumon track that resonates in the hearts of everyone striving toward their dreams.

It was used as the cheer song for the 2010 summer high school baseball tournament and featured in many other baseball-related tie-ins.

The CD cover starred Masahiro Tanaka, who was then a member of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

This song strikes a chord not only with students working hard in high school baseball, club activities, and school life, but also with adults who’ve moved beyond those days.

On the path to seizing a dream, there are times when many tears are shed.

This is a chest-thumping anthem that stirs your spirit in those moments.

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SAKI

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I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN34rank/position

T-BOLAN “I Don't Want to Let Go” Music Video

A four-piece rock band, T-BOLAN, which disbanded at the height of its popularity but reignited longtime fans’ passion when it resumed activities in 2017.

This is their second single.

The song was used as the ending theme for ‘’92 Paris–Le Cap’ and as an insert song in the TV drama ‘Hotel Woman,’ and is known as one of T-BOLAN’s signature ballads.

Its husky vocals and lyrical melody have captivated many listeners—some may still find themselves moved to tears even today.

It is an evergreen classic that represents the 1990s J-pop scene, an era renowned for its many masterpieces.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki35rank/position

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

When it comes to Hideaki Tokunaga, many people probably think of “Kowarekake no Radio,” but “Rainy Blue” is also a wonderful song! The image of cold rain highlights the poignancy even more.

Tokunaga’s uniquely husky voice carries a sense of sadness that fits the song perfectly, and just listening to it makes your chest tighten.

I love you. ~100 Regrets~Sonar Pocket36rank/position

I love you. ~100 Regrets~ – Sonar Pocket (Full)

This song is included on the 2011 album “Pokeism 2: Anata no Uta” (“Your Song”).

The lyrics tell a breakup story from a male perspective, making it a go-to track to listen to after a heartbreak—widely loved not only by men but also by many female fans.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS37rank/position

[Tonight, Birth! Music Champ] “M” (PRINCESS PRINCESS) / Sumina Maruyama (Maruyama Sumina)

A signature song by Princess Princess alongside “Diamonds.” Following an indelible address, the lyrics poignantly mourn a beloved person after a breakup.

It’s a classic that continues to be covered by many artists today.

I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu38rank/position

Words I Can’t Say / Off Course

Partings from those dear to us, encounters with the ones we love, and emotions too deep for words.

This gem of a ballad, released by Off Course in February 1982, gently sings of such delicate moments in life.

Kazumasa Oda’s clear, pure voice and the beautiful melody seep deep into the heart.

The song is included on the album “over” and was released as a double A-side single with “Kimi ni Okuru Uta.” In 1999, it was chosen for a life insurance company’s commercial, once again moving the hearts of many.

It’s a song to play when your feelings for someone overflow or when you want to express gratitude to someone precious.

peace signYonezu Kenshi39rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

A high-velocity guitar rock tune that conveys a powerful determination to move forward while grappling with the anxieties and conflicts unique to adolescence.

It’s a rousing anthem in which Kenshi Yonezu channels memories and yearnings from his childhood into music.

Released in June 2017, the song was written specifically as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia.

Its message and worldview align perfectly with the tone of the original work, earning it the No.

1 spot on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

It’s also an ideal song to perform with friends on stage at school or cultural festivals.

Only a single voicerokudenashi40rank/position

Rokudenashi “Just One Voice” / Rokudenashi – One Voice [Official Music Video]

An impressive song that delicately portrays the feelings of modern people struggling with loneliness and self-denial.

It gently chronicles the hurt caused by casual words, the act of holding back tears behind a smile, and the resolve to face the difficulty of simply “living.” Since its release in December 2021, this work—beautifully harmonizing a soft voice with a tender melody—has spread empathy primarily through social media, reached No.

1 on Hong Kong’s Spotify Viral Chart, and gained popularity across Asia.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those who find life hard or who long to be understood.