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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Popular Yami Songs: Japanese Music/J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (81–90)
The Edge of the Blue SkyOkuda Miwako85rank/position
Miwa Okuda’s “Aozora no Hate” (“At the Edge of the Blue Sky”) is a song about the despair of life.
Released in 2003, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Yankee Bokō ni Kaeru” (“A Yankee Returns to His Alma Mater”).
The lyrics depict a state of pain—when everything is hard, you feel utterly alone, and you think life is no longer worth it.
They will likely resonate with those who are going through a similarly difficult time.
Even so, the song ultimately lets you feel a future where light breaks through, suggesting that someday you will surely escape this reality.
If you’re overwhelmed by hardship right now, try lifting your head just a little while letting this song be by your side.
Goblin shark?Hiiragi Kirai86rank/position
Just from the intro, you’re completely immersed in its world.
Created by Hiiragi Kirai—known for the distinctive worlds of tracks like “Autophagy” and “Bocca della Verità”—this piece was released in 2020.
It’s a unique song that plays on the homophony between “love” and the deep-sea fish “goblin shark” (loveca/loveka), brimming with Hiiragi Kirai’s signature eerie flair.
The brisk horn section phrases slide through your ears and shoot straight through your mind.
Once you’re hooked, there’s no getting out—such is this VOCALOID track.
Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta87rank/position
Released in 2015 as a digital single under the name “Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani).” The song was used in KDDI’s au Santaro series commercial “au Feature Phone ‘Voice of the Sea’,” and was composed by BEGIN’s Masaru Shimabukuro.
Following its simultaneous release, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 overall on 13 distribution platforms including the iTunes Store and RecoChoku.
Qshiina mota88rank/position
The sound that starts with a rock vibe is cool, and the melody in the chorus is so impactful you won’t forget it after a single listen.
It has strong dark elements, but the sense of openness feels pleasant, so listening to it is refreshing.
The offbeat drumming is irresistible.
Shut up.Ado89rank/position
A punk rock sound that thrusts to the forefront, with a roar-like vocal that sent shockwaves through the music industry and a forceful, almost violent melody.
This shocking work channels, with explosive energy, the sense of dissonance young people feel toward society and their determination to resist the expectations and oppression around them.
As Ado’s major-label debut, the track was released digitally in October 2020 and received high acclaim across the board, including winning the Breakthrough Song at the M Television VMAJ 2021.
It’s a song that gives courage—powerfully pushing the backs of those who struggle to express their true feelings and worry about others’ eyes and judgments.
HANABIMr.Children90rank/position
It’s one of Mr.Children’s signature songs.
It was released in 2008 as their 33rd single.
It’s famous as the theme song for the drama series “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” It’s a moving song I’d love for you to try singing at karaoke—the feeling is great!
Popular Depressing Songs: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (91–100)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE91rank/position
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE has delivered a gem of a song that beautifully captures both the brilliance and the fragility of youth.
It delicately portrays the feelings of trying to embrace everyday anxieties, inner conflicts, and the pains of growth as cherished memories.
The song was also chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery” and won the 66th Japan Record Awards in December 2024, marking an unprecedented achievement of back-to-back wins for the band.
This heartwarming track offers empathy and encouragement to middle school students grappling with the uniquely turbulent emotions of adolescence and feelings of self-doubt.
It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look ahead.