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 Song Rankings [2026] (61–70)
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4861rank/position
It became a massive cross-generational hit after being chosen as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” It’s quite rare for an idol group’s song to be used as a morning drama theme just as it is, isn’t it? The lyrics—“Life is like a paper airplane; it rises and falls, but keeps on flying”—are like a pep talk that resonates with listeners, which may be one reason for its popularity.
It could be fun for a usually boisterous group of friends to surprise everyone by performing a serious chorus.
You could also ask someone experienced in sign language to create choreography and “sing in sign language” as one of your acts.
It’s a recommended song when you want to add variety and pacing to a school culture festival.
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi62rank/position
This is the fourth single by Masayoshi Yamazaki, a singer-songwriter from Yamaguchi Prefecture, chosen as the theme song for his first starring film, “Tsuki to Kyabetsu” (The Moon and a Cabbage).
The lyrics, said to reflect his feelings before his major-label debut, vividly evoke scenes where things don’t go as one hopes.
The words, which sing of feelings for a precious person who is no longer by one’s side, are likely to move many listeners to tears in empathy.
It’s a song whose distinctive voice and delicate acoustic sound resonate deeply, continuing to be sung across changing times.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke63rank/position
It is a lyrical ballad that depicts the bittersweet feelings of love in winter.
Released in October 2001, it is a work by Keisuke Kuwata themed around the winter season.
Rather than simply mourning a love that has passed, it also carries a sense of celebrating the memories of love, portraying warm emotions alongside scenes of a city blanketed in falling snow.
It was used as the theme song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, and later featured in UNIQLO’s “LifeWear” commercial, earning affection from a wide audience.
It is a heartwarming song to listen to when you want to heal a heart hurt by love or reflect on cherished memories.
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU64rank/position
This is a heartwarming ballad that gently embraces deep love and gratitude for someone precious.
Even as everyday life changes in the blink of an eye and we feel on the verge of losing sight of what truly matters, the presence of a loved one reminds us of life’s meaning and joy.
The song portrays the beauty of unconditional love and mutual support, conveyed through a voice that resonates with the heart.
Released in February 2009 as JUJU’s ninth single, it became her first to enter the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and was also featured in a collaborative commercial by MTV Japan and Nissan.
Included on the album “What’s Love?”, it has garnered wide support, including numerous cover versions by various artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your feelings for someone special overflow or when you want to express your gratitude.
Let the warm vocals fill your heart with kindness.
Ghost RuleDECO*2765rank/position
This is one of the signature songs by Vocaloid producer DECO*27, powerfully voicing bittersweet emotions.
The protagonist’s struggle with self-denial and inner conflict is conveyed through an arrangement that blends hard rock sounds with scratching.
This piece stands by those who grapple with their own existence; if you’re feeling low in self-esteem, listening to it might give you courage.
It’s also a recommended, easy-to-sing choice for karaoke with fellow Vocaloid fans.
me me sheRADWIMPS66rank/position
RADWIMPS is a rock band formed in 2001.
One of their early masterpieces that enjoys passionate support from fans is “me me she.” Sung from a man’s perspective, it portrays the sorrow of heartbreak and the lingering feelings of love even after a breakup.
The lyrics, which depict love in an incredibly straightforward and pure way, make a strong impact—you won’t forget them once you hear them.
By the way, the title is read “memeshii,” a play on the Japanese word meaning “effeminate” or “pathetically sentimental.”
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota67rank/position
A gemlike love song woven from evanescent yet beautiful poetic expressions and a crystal-clear singing voice.
While skillfully depicting scenes from nature, it delicately conveys the feelings of thinking about someone dear.
When Tota posted it on social media in June 2021, it quickly sparked a huge response.
In December 2022, it was selected as the tie-in song for a Pure Gummy web commercial, and the full version was released in February of the following year.
Recommended for those who want to face everyday reality while feeling the sorrow of losing someone precious and the strength to keep looking forward.
If you laugh at the skywacci68rank/position
The song that wacci released digitally in July 2018 is a warm masterpiece depicting youth and friendship.
Its lyrics, centered on moments when hard work pays off and the bonds between friends, resonate deeply with listeners.
In particular, the phrase “Don’t cry, stand tall, lift your head and smile” gives you the courage to face hardships.
The track went viral on social media and drew widespread empathy.
It’s characterized by wacci’s signature warm melodies and delicate vocals.
It’s also perfect as a theme song for school festivals and culture festivals, and is recommended for times when you want to look back on memories with friends.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi69rank/position
A gemlike ballad that weaves feelings for the departed with deep gratitude, carrying the breeze of Okinawa.
Covered by Rimi Natsukawa in 2001, this song is originally a masterpiece that fuses lyrics Ryoko Moriyama wrote for her older brother who passed away at a young age with a moving melody composed by BEGIN.
Carried by the sound of the sanshin, it holds a prayer for a beloved presence that lives on in memories.
It won the Gold Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002 and achieved an astonishing long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 116 consecutive weeks.
It was also used as the theme song for the 2006 film “Nada Sou Sou,” and continues to bring comfort to many hearts.
When you think of someone dear, when you want to let quiet tears fall, the song’s clear, pure vocals will gently enfold you.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo70rank/position
A signature work by Eigo Kawashima, etched in many hearts as a classic of the Showa era.
The lyrics, which portray the differences between men’s and women’s expressions of sorrow through alcohol and tears, resonate deeply.
Released in June 1976, the song was also used in a commercial for Kizakura Sake Brewery and became a major hit.
Its melody, infused with folk elements, and Kawashima’s powerful vocals are captivating.
It’s a track that offers empathy and solace when you’re feeling life’s hardships and loneliness.
Hugely popular at karaoke, it continues to be sung across generations.