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

CountdownCocco8rank/position

Cocco – Countdown [Video Clip Short]

This is the debut single by Cocco, a female singer-songwriter who showcases multifaceted talents as an actress, picture book author, essayist, and novelist, while also engaging in environmental activism to protect the seas of her native Okinawa.

The song’s distinctive presence comes from its raw, exposed emotions set against a heavy and intense rock sound—a quality often seen in her early worldview and musical style.

With vivid depictions of unleashing anger and retribution against a partner’s betrayal, it’s considered a quintessential “dark” song, yet its expressive power and sound are sure to excite rock fans.

It’s a recommended rock number that can blow away the pain of heartbreak.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

What do you want to become?Rozarīna9rank/position

Rosalina 'What Do You Want To Be,' Official Lyric Video

If you’re a college student who feels crushed by anxiety about the future, please give this a listen.

It’s a track by Rozarina, included on the album “INNER UNIVERSE,” released in January 2020.

The song portrays the struggle of being overwhelmed by obligations and losing sight of what you truly wanted to do.

Its smoky vocals and acoustic tones gently wrap around a tired heart.

It’s a number I hope you’ll listen to without holding back your tears.

Black sheepKeyakizaka4610rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Black Sheep'

Have you ever felt like you can’t trust anyone, that there’s no one in this world you can rely on or truly understand you except yourself? The song “Black Sheep,” perfect for times like that, is the eighth single released by Keyakizaka46 in 2019, with Yurina Hirate as the center.

When you’ve fallen into distrust of people, how about letting yourself drop all the way to the bottom? I can’t help but relate to the feeling that if things go well by making myself the bad guy, then that’s fine.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

mentally unstable personMioyamazaki11rank/position

Mio Yamazaki “Menhera”

It’s a super cool, aggressive-sounding “menhera” song.

It’s by the Tokyo-based rock band MIOYAMAZAKI and is included on their 2015 mini-album “Otona ga Dame tte Itta Yatsu” (The Stuff Adults Said Was No Good).

The track opens with a woman’s monologue, and the lyrics will give you chills as the song unfolds.

I’m sure some of you can’t help but think about someone in this way, whether you like it or not.

Give it a listen when you’re in the mood to sink into a darker state of mind.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro12rank/position

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

Moonlight portrays the sense of helplessness and loneliness one can feel in this wide world.

Released in 2000 by singer-songwriter Chihiro Onitsuka, it is known as one of her signature songs.

Carried by a beautiful yet fleeting piano melody, her voice conveys a deep solitude and anxiety.

The song is filled with messages that prompt deep reflection on life—questions everyone holds, like “What am I living for?” It’s a ballad that depicts the trembling emotions of losing someone dear or losing your place in the world.

Please lend an ear to its gently resonant melody and lyrics.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

I wanted to be your last girlfriend.Koresawa13rank/position

Koresawa “I Wanted to Be Your Last Girlfriend” [Music Video]

Koresawa is a female singer-songwriter who debuted in 2011, known for her distinctive bear-themed visuals and for not showing her face.

Her relatable lyrics have earned her strong support from women.

“Saigo no Kanojo ni Naritakatta” (“I Wanted to Be Your Last Girlfriend”) features heartbreakingly clingy lyrics that contrast with its bright sound.

Even so, its upbeat melody makes it an easy-to-listen-to ‘yami song’ about emotional pain.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

gummy

Report a problem

There was no meaning to being born.mafumafu14rank/position

There was no meaning in being born. / Mafumafu

This is Mafumafu’s signature work, a cry from the heart that chronicles losing one’s sense of self-worth and ceaselessly questioning the meaning of life.

It’s included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019.

The song confronts the value of discarded lives, a society indifferent to others, and the powerlessness of being unable to save anything despite having the potential to become anyone.

Though the lyrics are filled with despairing questions, they ultimately resound with a strong resolve that we must go on living.

It’s a song that stands beside those who find life hard or have lost sight of their own worth.