Popular “yami” songs: Japanese music / J‑Pop artist rankings [2026]

Madness born of eruditionMachigerīta P78rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] Knowledgeable, and Thus Mad [PV + Bonus]

Be careful when listening to “yami songs” late at night—many of them will make you too scared to go to the bathroom.

This track is one of those.

Miku’s voice sounds like she knows nothing, the lyrics offer no way forward, and the same melody plays over and over until your senses feel dulled, yet I can’t help but listen, trembling.

Please make sure there’s really no one behind you before you press play!

thought crimeYorushika79rank/position

Yorushika – Thoughtcrime (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika has produced many emotional songs.

Released ahead of their third album, Plagiarism, is Shisōhan (Thoughtcrime).

It’s a pop song that explores unfulfilled hearts and loneliness.

A highlight is the wide vocal range, which conveys a cool, powerful feel.

So even though the theme is on the downbeat side, it might give you a bit of a boost.

Incidentally, the work was inspired by the novel 1984.

Knowing that may make it even more enjoyable.

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yamamoto

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powder snowRemioromen80rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

Remioromen is a well-known three-piece rock band.

This song was released in November 2005 and became a massive hit after being featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” selling over 850,000 copies in total.

It was also performed when the band made their first appearance at the 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2009.

The gentle, fragile sound of the keyboard and the distorted guitar tones tighten the heart.

In the season when powdery snow falls, I want to listen to this song, hoping my feelings reach that special someone.

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Kotaro

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autonomousRosu81rank/position

autonomous

Ross’s 2021 track “Autonomy” plunges you into deep darkness right from the opening with its dark sound.

It’s a truly terrifying song that depicts a victim of bullying taking revenge on their tormentors.

Ross’s languid vocals amplify the horror of the lyrics.

The hostility aimed at the ringleader who bullied them—and at everyone who stood by and did nothing—seems unstoppable.

For those going through hard times now, these simmering emotions may feel all too relatable.

But please keep those feelings within the song and pursue a peaceful resolution in real life.

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SAKI

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Fruit of SandNakatani Miki82rank/position

Miki Nakatani / Fruit of Sand

Right from the start, starkly troubled lyrics come straight at you.

The music video has a finish that exudes mature allure.

You could call it a bit old-school, but it’s incredibly captivating.

The song doesn’t modulate for a while, letting you sink into its world.

In the final section, tenderness is packed with a poignant ache, offering both comfort and melancholy.

It ends with an air of ambiguity that even feels a little eerie.

night after nightKurahashi Yoeko83rank/position

Yoko Kurahashi - Yonayona Yona Full.

It’s a piece that sounds buoyant and cheerful, yet somehow unsettles the heart.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Yoeko Kurahashi from Aichi Prefecture, included on her first album, “Fujin-yo,” released in 2002.

With a unique worldview themed around “self-loathing,” this track will draw you in after just one listen.

The chorus melody, in particular, tends to stick in your head.

I have a feeling there are more days than you’d expect when this song perfectly matches your mood.

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Araki Jakkan

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scumbag man and stupid womanDomura Riu84rank/position

Scumbag Man and Idiot Woman – Riu Domura (Official Audio) Prod. Misty Melody

This track, included on Riu Domura’s album Irregular Diary released in April 2024, resonated with younger listeners and became a major topic on social media.

It portrays a relationship between a man who whispers the lie “I love you” solely to be showered with money, and a woman who falls for him and loses sight of true happiness.

The lyrics are written entirely from the man’s perspective, making you think, “What awful lyrics…,” but in the end the narrator shifts and delivers the message, “Don’t get caught by a guy like this.” Featuring a bad man who controls for money, the song gives you the courage to break free from a distorted relationship.