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

GarnetOku Hanako50rank/position

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

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 Kana51rank/position

Kana Nishino – Namidairo (Full Chinese Subtitles Version)

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)Ketsumeishi52rank/position

Ketsumeishi 'Namida' (Tears)

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.

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mutō

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Song of DepartureMr.Children53rank/position

Mr.Children “Tabidachi no Uta” MUSIC VIDEO

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.

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utatane

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Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu54rank/position

Tearful Kiss

A bittersweet yet beautiful melody that seeps into the heart, this ballad delicately portrays the protagonist’s sorrow and lingering feelings as they face a breakup with a lover.

The emotionally rich vocals woven by Southern All Stars, together with a simple instrumental arrangement, convey the pain of heartbreak with striking clarity.

Released in July 1992, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta.” It became Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single and won the Excellence Award at the 34th Japan Record Awards.

Whether you’re seeking to heal the sadness of parting or reminiscing about past love, this song gently stays by your side—and continues to be a source of comfort for many to this day.

the scent of flowersMr.Children55rank/position

Mr.Children “Scent of Flowers” Music Video (Short ver.)

A song by Mr.Children chosen as the theme for the film “I Want to Be a Shellfish.” It is an exceptionally beautiful masterpiece whose lyrics express feelings for a beloved person parted by death.

Even amid a sorrowful farewell, the earnest hope that “in a different form, with the same smile, surely you will come to see me again” makes it a tearjerker that moves you to sobs.

flameLiSA56rank/position

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

A song defined by its dramatic melody and ensemble, the kind that warms your heart just by listening.

Released in October 2020 as the 17th single by female singer LiSA, it was chosen as the theme song for the animated film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.

Boosted by the film’s popularity, it became a massive hit that grew into a social phenomenon.

Its lyrics, which portray the strength to press on through hardship, bonds with comrades, and hope for the future, have the power to give listeners courage and optimism.

This rock ballad makes you want to sing along, and it’s a perfect track for immersing yourself in music alone or having a good cry to blow off stress.