Happy Song Rankings [2026]

Happy Endingback number57rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

This song was chosen as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” which portrays a heartrending love story.

Its poignant, heart‑tightening lyrics and beautiful melody leave a strong impression.

Released in November 2016 as back number’s 16th single, it was written and composed by Iyori Shimizu.

The music video features Tori Matsuzaka and Haruna Kawaguchi, and its delicate depiction of the pain of long-distance relationships and the struggle of parting drew significant attention.

If you’ve experienced a breakup or are troubled about a relationship with someone important, this is a song that will speak to your heart—please give it a listen.

threadNakajima Miyuki58rank/position

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

It’s the well-known masterpiece “Ito” by Miyuki Nakajima.

Even now, it’s covered by many artists and continues to be sung.

The lyrics, which express connections as “threads” and tell of the miracle that two people meet in this vast world, are deeply moving.

The song’s world, where the meeting of those two also leads to other connections, feels wonderfully warm.

It’s a song to listen to when you don’t want to take the person beside you for granted and want to show gratitude not only to a lover but to everyone you’ve met.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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SUNHoshino Gen59rank/position

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

A timeless song brimming with sunshine-like brightness and warmth.

Born from Gen Hoshino’s experience of overcoming illness, this track lights a spark in the hearts of its listeners.

Released in May 2015 as his eighth single, it drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne.” Its sprightly rhythm, infused with elements of jazz and funk, blends perfectly with Hoshino’s refreshing vocals to create a sublime harmony.

It’s the perfect song when you’re feeling down or need a boost.

The more you listen, the more you’ll feel your spirits lift and your heart clear.

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai60rank/position

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

This song, Dai Hirai’s “Stand by me, Stand by you.”, quickly went viral on social media and became popular among younger generations.

Since May 2020, Dai Hirai has been releasing a digital single every two weeks, and this track, released in September, is the eighth in the series.

It’s a number overflowing with what you might call “emo” vibes, with a powerful emotional pull.

It makes you feel that the simple, ordinary kind of happiness is the real thing, and the song carries a very palpable sense of authenticity.

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utatane

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I want to hug you.Mr.Children61rank/position

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

This is Mr.Children’s second single, depicting a vow to “only have eyes for you.” Relationships with people who pry into your past romances or get jealous don’t tend to last, do they? Having a partner who listens seriously and stands by you at the right moment is incredibly reassuring.

Released in December 1992, this song didn’t attract much attention at first, but over the years it has come to be loved by many.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to deepen their bond with someone important or express their honest feelings.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU62rank/position

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This is a rock ballad by JUJU overflowing with gratitude and kindness toward a loved one.

Its gentle, enveloping melody captures the subtle emotional shifts of realizing the preciousness of a life nurtured in the womb and seeing the world in a new light.

Also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial, the song was released in February 2009 and ambitiously reached the top 10 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is included on the albums “What’s Love?” and “BEST STORY ~Love stories~,” and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a deeply moving track, perfect for savoring feelings of gratitude for a precious life that has come into this world.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK63rank/position

Wherever you are

A signature song by ONE OK ROCK that brims with deep feelings for a loved one and a vow of eternity.

Included on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the track became widely known after being used in a NTT Docomo commercial in 2016.

Blending Japanese and English, the lyrics convey a powerful resolve—“No matter where you are, I will always make you smile”—delivering a message that resonates deeply with listeners.

It ranked first for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018, as the “most-used song at weddings,” and is cherished as a wedding staple.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to express your feelings to someone special or listen together with your partner.