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

horizonback number57rank/position

back number – Horizon

This is the fourth digital single written specifically for high school students whose Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the impact of COVID-19.

It carries a message that stands with those bearing lost hopes, setbacks, and sorrow, and it has moved many listeners.

After a surprise premiere on YouTube, it was officially released for distribution in August 2021 and sparked a huge response, including holding the top spot on streaming charts for nine consecutive weeks.

With its gentle melody and arrangement, interwoven with back number’s trademark falsetto, it’s a song that sinks deep into the heart.

It’s perfect for times when you want to immerse yourself in music alone or have a good cry to relieve stress.

ultramarineYOASOBI58rank/position

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

Among the many exquisite masterpieces crafted by YOASOBI, this song stands out with particularly high popularity and recognition.

Based on a novel, it features striking lyrics that overlay themes of self-expression, courage to pursue dreams, and the journey of growth with the color blue.

The world woven by Ayase’s masterful word choice and ikura’s clear, translucent vocals is so moving it brings tears to your eyes just by listening.

Released in January 2021, the song peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon charts and achieved the astonishing feat of staying on the charts for 182 weeks.

It might be the perfect choice for a school cultural festival performance—or for creating cherished memories with friends.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki59rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

The song created by Kenshi Yonezu centers on the search for “mistakes” and “correct answers” in life.

Rather than striving for perfection, it conveys the message that precisely because something might have been a “mistake,” we were able to find what truly matters.

Released in May 2019 and used as the theme song for the TV drama Perfect World, this work became Masaki Suda’s first digital single.

Its startlingly honest lyrics and wistful melody strike a chord in the heart.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to soak in some alone time or have a good cry to let out stress.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly60rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

This song, often heard in various scenes like weddings and graduations, is a must as a moving, heartfelt track.

Just like its title, “A Bouquet with All My Love,” it’s perfect for expressing gratitude, and it lets you feel many kinds of love—romantic, friendship, family—big, encompassing love.

It’s the kind of song that, when you’re feeling a bit worn out by everything, gently warms you from the bottom of your heart.

It’s also a song you’d quietly gift to someone growing tired of their new life.

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utatane

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My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi61rank/position

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

People grow through repeated meetings and farewells, yet it’s not uncommon for friends from high school or college to remain lifelong companions.

Ketsumeishi’s “Tomo yo ~Kono saki mo zutto…~” may use familiar words, but it’s a heartfelt song that says, “Let’s stay friends forever.” From childhood to adolescence, then youth and adulthood, it’s something anyone—girls and boys alike—can relate to.

If you’re making a movie to remember your school’s cultural festival or campus festival, this song is perfect.

The music video featuring the comedy trio Dachou Club also became a hot topic for being a real tearjerker.

Give it a watch if you get the chance.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4862rank/position

Paper Airplane of 365 Days – AKB48 (Full)

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 Masayoshi63rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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