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-Your-Eyes-Out Song Ranking [2026] (41–50)
Robinsonsupittsu41rank/position
With their gentle band ensemble, transparent evergreen vocals, heart-wrenchingly bittersweet melodies, and lyrically rich songs written from a unique perspective, Spitz are beloved not only by music fans but also by fellow musicians.
There are surely people who feel their tear ducts loosen the moment they hear the voice of frontman Masamune Kusano.
Among the many tear-jerking melodies in Spitz’s catalog, let me introduce Robinson, the masterpiece that brought them widespread recognition.
The instant the memorable arpeggio by guitarist Tetsuya Miwa—known for his striking hairstyle and sunglasses—resounds, you’ll feel your heart gently unravel.
The monochrome music video is also wonderfully nostalgic, so be sure to check it out together with the song.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE42rank/position
Every person is someone precious to someone else, a one-of-a-kind being.
This song reminds us of that simple yet easily forgotten truth.
When hardships keep piling up, you may start to wonder whether you’re needed, what your worth is, and sink into gloom.
But there isn’t a single person in this world who isn’t needed by someone.
When you feel isolated and stuck, listening to this song will help you remember that everyone is precious—and that you are one of them.
Released in January 2019, Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s eighth single is a grand rock ballad crafted by Motoki Omori.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa43rank/position
Koresawa’s realistic, women’s-perspective lyrics resonate strongly with women of her generation.
She doesn’t show her face in the media and is well known for her bear illustration persona.
Her song “Tabako” is a breakup anthem that almost always gets mentioned, and it’s one of her signature tracks.
It’s a gem of a breakup song that makes you realize how precious the memories of being together with someone you love—and the everyday moments you shared—really were.
The feelings of being in love, of truly liking someone, come through so intensely that it can bring you to tears even if you’re not going through a breakup.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi44rank/position
This gem of a ballad, carried by a gentle, heart-stirring piano tone, sings of feelings for a precious person who keeps moving forward toward the future.
Aoi Teshima’s crystalline voice beautifully conveys a sense of nostalgia for one’s hometown and a pure, unadorned heart.
Included on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” released in July 2014, it was later chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Love That Makes You Cry” in February 2016, and it has also been featured in a commercial for Aflac Life Insurance.
Embracing listeners with images of innocent childhood smiles and hometown scenery while encouraging them to face forward, this song offers gentle comfort to those living away from the places they call home.
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 4645rank/position
A Nogizaka46 song where wistfulness and freshness coexist.
Released in November 2016, this track is also known as Nanami Hashimoto’s graduation single.
Its lyrics delicately depict the moment of parting, and the clear, beautiful melody resonates deeply.
The final conversation exchanged beneath the elevated tracks—it feels as if the scene is unfolding right before your eyes.
The song is imbued with the courage to say goodbye and the strength to take a new step forward.
Singing it at the end of a school or cultural festival can prompt reflections on the bonds with friends and memories of student days.
The piece was also performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro46rank/position
A massive hit by Motohiro Hata, used as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and featured in many commercials.
Hata’s simple, warm singing voice and the sound of his guitar resonated especially with adults, even more than with children.
The title “Himawari” (Sunflower) is said to evoke Doraemon; keeping that in mind as you read the lyrics can change the way you look at Doraemon.
Although Doraemon doesn’t exist in real life, everyone has someone they wish could be by their side the way Doraemon is for Nobita.
Listening while thinking of that person will bring warm tears to your eyes.
YELLikimonogakari47rank/position
Ikimono-gakari’s 15th double A-side single, beloved across generations.
It’s also known for being selected as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, so many people may have sung it during their school days.
Yoshiki Mizuno, the member who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, is said to have created the song while recalling himself at age 15, when he was struggling with various thoughts.
It’s a masterpiece distinguished by vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s overwhelmingly powerful yet clear voice.
Highly recommended for various scenes at school festivals as well!
GarnetOku Hanako48rank/position
This is a signature song by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku that vividly depicts the transience of youth and the poignancy of first love.
Released in July 2006 as the theme song for the film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” it was written and composed by Oku herself.
The delicate melodies spun through her piano-and-vocal performance and the relatable lyrics touched the hearts of many.
A gem of a ballad about feelings that remain unchanged even across time, it’s perfect as a theme song for school festivals and cultural events.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when reflecting on friendships and memories from your school days—one that’s sure to move you and resonate deeply in your heart.
tear-coloredNishino Kana49rank/position
Kana Nishino’s songs feature lyrics that express bittersweet feelings of love and resonate especially with teenage and twenty-something women.
This particular track, which sings of heartbreak, is a poignant yet positive song about thinking of you—someone I can no longer see—while hoping to someday turn these memories into the past.
tear(s)Ketsumeishi50rank/position
Ketsumeishi is a music group that led Japan’s hip-hop scene in the 2000s, known for songs with messages that speak directly to people’s hearts.
Among their tracks, one that gently embraces sentimental feelings is “Namida” (Tears), released in 2004.
Set to a hip-hop-style beat, it portrays people striving toward their dreams and goals.
It’s a song that can give you strength when you feel like crying your heart out or when your spirits are about to break.
Let yourself be soothed by their rich choral work, which carries the performance from the rap parts through to the soaring chorus.
