Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro50rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

A gem-like ballad by Naotaro Moriyama that gently sings of the parting that comes at the fleeting end of summer.

Released in August 2003, this work was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien” and reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

Its acoustic tones and strings weave a melody that resonates deeply, comforting those who carry thoughts of someone precious they have lost.

Like summer memories fading, it evokes the bittersweet feeling of memories slowly receding, while also conveying the strength to keep looking forward and walking on.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN51rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

MiracleGReeeeN52rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

When it comes to youth anthems, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” GReeeeN’s signature track “Kiseki” is a pure love song that celebrates the joy of meeting the person you love and the resolve to walk into the future together.

True to its title, the lyrics call the couple’s meeting a “miracle” (kiseki) and describe the path they’ve walked as a “trace” or “trajectory” (also kiseki)—a wordplay that stirs the heart every time you listen.

In 2009, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it beloved across generations.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to play at graduations, thank-you parties, and those final moments with dear friends or a loved one, to express your gratitude.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu53rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

It’s a famous ballad that’s deeply etched into many people’s memories, along with moving scenes from the festival of sports.

It embraces the unknown struggles, frustrations, and all the accumulated effort, and gives you the warmth and courage to move forward.

Released in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

The powerful vocals and harmonies of Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa are something you’ll want to hear when you hit a major wall or need to fire yourself up.

It truly is a life-affirming anthem that rekindles the flame in a discouraged heart.

bouquetback number54rank/position

back number – Bouquet (full)

This is a gem of a love song where unpretentious conversations between lovers convey a clumsy yet profound affection.

It portrays a vague anxiety about the future alongside a straightforward desire to stay together, and listening to it warms the heart.

Released in June 2011 as back number’s second single, the track is also included on the acclaimed album “SUPER STAR.” Many will recognize it as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

The fact that it received over 50 power plays on radio stations nationwide at the time speaks to how much attention it garnered.

This work, which makes you feel the preciousness of everyday life with someone important, continues to be cherished as a classic wedding song.

HarukaYOASOBI55rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A unique story told from the perspective of a mug, depicting a girl’s growth.

Based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel Tsuki Ōji and released by YOASOBI in December 2020, it’s a graduation song.

It was also used as the CM song for Takara Tomy’s Punirunz and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021: Hakata – Festival of Goldfish.” Conveyed from the warm gaze of a presence that was always by your side in everyday life, its message of gratitude evokes the joy of having met more strongly than the sadness of parting.

It’s a perfect song for those facing a farewell or wanting to express thanks to someone important.

Happy Endingback number56rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

Produced in November 2016 as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” this piece portrays the poignant feelings of a woman who has decided to part ways.

Though her love remains, she suffers because she must leave the person she cares for.

Inside, the pain makes her want to cry, yet she puts on a brave face and pretends to be fine with a smile.

These complex emotions are expressed with delicate nuance.

Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu and co-arranged with Takeshi Kobayashi, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It is a song that deeply resonates with those who, despite the pain of heartbreak, are trying to move forward, and with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.