Popular “yami” songs: Japanese music / J‑Pop artist rankings [2026]
When you’re feeling down, entrust those feelings to songs that sing about the same emotions.
This time, we’ll introduce Japanese artists who specialize in “dark/healing songs,” ranked in order.
Before long, you’re sure to feel better.
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- Ranking of Dark/Jaded Japanese Songs [2026]
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
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- Popular R&B. Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
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- Yami songs recommended for women
- [Relatable Lyrics] Emo songs to listen to when you're stuck after a breakup or relationship troubles
- Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Pop Artists: Popular Tracks [2026]
Popular “Yami” Songs: Japanese Music/J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (71–80)
collapse; fainting spell (colloquial/slang)iyowa71rank/position
It pierces me with the sadness behind its poppiness.
It’s a track by multi-creator Iyowa, who also handles the illustrations and video, released in 2021.
The ever-rolling, never-stopping progression is striking.
The bouncy piano sticks in your ears—a cute sound arrangement.
The catchy melody pairs perfectly with KAF’s adorable vocals…
but when you parse the lyrics, you start to see the feelings at the moment of parting with someone you love.
My heart is in shambles at the protagonist’s realization that the end is near.
Nokemono Neverlandoku no hosomichi72rank/position
The distorted vocal work is really cool! It’s a track by the Vocaloid producer Okuno Hosomichi—also known as the creator of “A Suicide Applicant’s Longing Seen 191 Seconds Before Death”—released in 2020.
The sound is heavy yet rhythmic, and it really gets you pumped.
It matches perfectly with the lyrics, “I don’t want to live in such a ridiculous world!” The stylish scat section that appears in the latter half is a must-hear.
Be sure to listen to the end.
Wolverine Nenzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.73rank/position
A piercing song that captures feelings of loneliness and self-denial.
It’s a track by the band ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni), centered around the vocalist ACA-ne.
It’s included on the mini-album “Koke no Ichinen Kaiba ni Takusu,” released in October 2024.
The pain of emotional repression is conveyed through ACA-Ne’s transparent vocals and a funky guitar sound.
It’s a song that will resonate with teens and people in their twenties struggling with relationships.
The track “TAIDADA,” also included on the same album, was used as the ending theme for the anime Dandadan.
Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki74rank/position
A heartwarming ballad that gently embraces the worries and uncertainties of adolescence.
Angela Aki’s clear, translucent voice and piano melody offer comfort to the anxiety we all carry.
Released in 2008, the song drew significant attention as the compulsory piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division and as an insert song in the film “Shodo Girls!! Our Koshien.” Its appeal also lies in the grand arrangement that begins with simple piano accompaniment and gradually adds strings and chorus.
It’s a song that resonates in the heart—an anthem that gives you the courage to believe in yourself when you stand at a crossroads in life.
oni; demon; ogre; spirit (depending on context)kuriipuhaipe75rank/position
This song by the four-piece rock band CreepHyp was used as the theme song for the TV drama “And Then, There Were None.” The high-pitched vocals of Seikakan Ozaki, the singer and guitarist, are particularly distinctive.
The lyrics are striking: worn out by everyday life, losing sight of who you are, and escaping from reality… yet deep down, still yearning for her.
The sound is addictive—you can’t help but listen to it over and over.
balladKetsumeishi76rank/position
This is a song called “Ballad,” released in 2011 by the hugely popular group Ketsumeishi.
It’s a poignant track that looks back on a love that’s been lost.
Even if you came up with all sorts of reasons to choose to break up, the regret after losing someone is often immense, isn’t it? It’s a classic heartbreak song for men—one that could bring you to tears even if you haven’t recently had your heart broken.
in my placeHiguchi Ai77rank/position
A song that embraces the parts of yourself that feel incapable and lights the courage to keep moving forward.
It’s the second installment of Ai Higuchi’s “Soliloquy Trilogy,” released digitally in August 2025.
The expansive sound and gentle vocals are a perfect match.
The lyrics depict the feelings of repeatedly grappling with self-loathing while taking one step at a time.
Try listening on a quiet night or on a heavy-footed morning on your way to class.
It will bring your heart’s pace back to your own stride.