![Ikimono-gakari’s Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lz8frtP6_kk/maxresdefault.webp)
Ikimono-gakari’s Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]
This time, we’re introducing Ikimono-gakari’s tear-jerking hit songs in a ranking format.
With their catchy sound and lyrics that warm the heart, they’ve captured listeners time and again.
We hope to deliver a selection of wonderful tracks that shine no matter when you listen.
Ikimono-gakari Tearjerkers: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026] (1–10)
YELLikimonogakari1rank/position
An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.
Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.
Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.
Thank youikimonogakari2rank/position
An immortal masterpiece by Ikimono-gakari, imbued with bonds nurtured in warm everyday life and gratitude toward loved ones.
Released in 2010, this song became widely beloved as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo, starring Nao Matsushita.
The gentle yet powerful melody composed by Yoshiki Mizuno is cherished across generations—so much so that it was chosen as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
There are few songs as fitting for conveying your feelings to the friends and family who have supported you at graduations and farewell gatherings.
It’s also perfect as background music for nostalgic look-back videos trending on TikTok or for moving slideshows.
As spring arrives and you take a new step forward, why not entrust your overflowing gratitude to this song?
Last sceneikimonogakari3rank/position
“It’s sad, but let’s carry all these feelings and move forward”—this song inspires that kind of resolve.
It’s a work by Ikimonogakari, a band that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene, released in 2016 as their 32nd single.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the theme song for the film Your Lie in April.
Yoshioka’s strong, clear voice is truly wonderful.
It’s a heartrending song, yet it seems to hold hope beyond the sorrow.
Why not entrust your body and soul to this music?
smileikimonogakari4rank/position
How about sending a song like this when you’re not sure what to say to a dear friend who’s feeling down? Ikimono-gakari’s “Egao” is their 26th single, released in 2013, and it was also the theme song for a Pokémon movie.
It’s a message song filled with the desire to say how much your friends have helped you and how wonderful you are.
Sometimes music can encourage us even more than words, right?
I feel like going home.ikimonogakari5rank/position
This song, the theme for the film “Sand Clock” and also used in an Aiful Home commercial, is a ballad written specifically for the movie.
The lyrics, which sing about the town where you’re waiting, evoke a warm, nostalgic sense of comfort.
youikimonogakari6rank/position
It’s a warm song by Ikimonogakari that straightforwardly conveys love for a special person and family.
It was written as the theme song for Nippon TV’s campaign project “7days TV: What Is Family?” The calm, soothing atmosphere and the sound featuring strings and bells—evoking scenes of a wedding—leave a strong impression.
It’s a gentle piece that communicates love for the special person with whom you will walk the road ahead, as well as gratitude to the family who have supported your journey thus far.
The love song won’t stopikimonogakari7rank/position
A bittersweet love song that portrays the complex emotions of couples in long-distance relationships.
Many listeners will relate to the lyrics: “When we go a long time without seeing each other, I get anxious, but every time we overcome it, our bond grows stronger.” The song captures the frustration of not being able to express your feelings honestly to the one you love, and the way you grow by overcoming loneliness, all set to a refreshing melody.
Released in July 2014, the track was also featured in a commercial for Calpis Water.
It’s a recommended listen not only for those in long-distance relationships, but for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special.
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari8rank/position
The song that celebrates all the preparation and practice for the sports day is “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” (“The Wind Is Blowing”).
Released in 2012 by Ikimonogakari, a music unit that led the J-pop scene from the 2000s, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.
The beautiful strings resonating over a mid-tempo track are striking.
The orthodox melodic line, sung by Kiyoe Yoshioka, is deeply moving.
It’s a heartfelt song you’ll want to play during any sports day scene—from relays to dances.
Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari9rank/position
It was released in 2007 as Ikimonogakari’s seventh single.
The song was used in a commercial for au’s “LISMO!” and is themed around weddings.
It was performed at vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s brother’s wedding, making it a moving number that resonates as a wedding song.
SAKURAikimonogakari10rank/position
The major-label debut single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for their striking vocals and songs that vividly evoke scenes.
Released in March 2006, the track was featured in NTT East’s “DENPO115” commercial and a McDonald’s Japan commercial, becoming a long-running hit that stayed on the Oricon charts for 31 weeks.
Weaving in local scenery such as the Sagami Bridge and the Odakyu Line, the lyrics recount the fleeting love of student days and the poignancy of graduation, stirring youthful memories that many hold in their hearts.
The unceasing flow of time and the protagonist’s feelings as they face parting are portrayed with care, making it a song you’ll want to listen to in that moment of quiet loneliness after a graduation ceremony.
It’s a classic of spring that gently nudges you forward as you set out on a new path.