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)
ORIONNakajima Mika43rank/position
The 27th single, released in November 2008.
It was the theme song for the TBS drama “Ryusei no Kizuna” (original story by Keigo Higashino).
A love ballad at which Nakajima excels, moving her to tears as she gazes at the winter constellations.
It peaked at No.
6 on the Oricon weekly chart, with total sales of 63,000 copies.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro44rank/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.
YELLikimonogakari45rank/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 Hanako46rank/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 Kana47rank/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)Ketsumeishi48rank/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.
Song of DepartureMr.Children49rank/position
Mr.Children is a beloved national band popular with a wide range of listeners, from fans of the same generation as the band to their children’s generation.
Their song “Tabidachi no Uta” was released as a single in 2007 and was used as the theme song for the film “Koizora” (Sky of Love).
Many of Mr.Children’s songs are deeply moving, the kind that tighten your chest with emotion.
Of course, this track is also one that you’ll want to use in poignant scenes—a truly stirring song—so third-year students for whom this cultural festival will be the last are sure to find much that resonates.
It’s also cherished as a graduation song.
