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

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog22rank/position

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

That moment when your heart drifts away from someone you once loved so much is truly heart-wrenching.

“Cinderella Boy,” included on Saucy Dog’s 2021 release “Lazy Sunday,” beautifully portrays the bittersweet emotions between lovers.

From the warm arpeggio intro to the emotional chorus, its melody resonates with anyone going through a painful breakup.

It’s a song that makes you want to tuck away those irreplaceable times and precious memories somewhere in your heart, rather than throwing them away.

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mutō

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I thought about killing myselfamazarashi23rank/position

Ω Amazarashi – The Reason Why I Thought I’d Die 僕が死のうと思ったのは Ω

amazarashi is a rock band from Aomori Prefecture.

Their songs are striking for lyrics that, while afflicted, still carry a certain gentleness.

This work, too, has an extremely intense title, but in the end someone’s presence brings salvation.

It’s a song that gently stays close to a worn-out heart.

Non-breath ObligePinokio P24rank/position

PinocchioP – Non-breath Oblige feat. Hatsune Miku / Non-breath oblige

There are times when you want to let out feelings that have nowhere to go, right? Nonbreath Oblige is a delicate, heartrending song that you’ll want to listen to when it gets hard to go to school.

Released in 2021 by PinocchioP, it stands out for its lyrics that question a modern society where it’s hard to say what you really mean, and for its beautifully colored music video.

When you’re worn out from being careful around friends at school or when things aren’t going well in class, listening to this track might help ease your mind.

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mutō

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I don’t need friends—die.Shinsei Kamattechan25rank/position

I don’t need friends, die — PV — Shinsei Kamattechan

Both the title and the lyrics themselves are pretty dark.

It’s a song by the rock band Shinsei Kamattechan, known for their often talked-about aggressive live performances.

It’s included on their 2012 album “Tanoshii ne.” The rhythm and sound get addictive the more you listen.

But somehow—despite how out there the song is—it also makes you feel a bit wistful.

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Araki Jakkan

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Nightmare of the Galactic CitySEKAI NO OWARI26rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Nightmare in the Galactic City” Chinese Subtitles

It’s a poignant song about the feelings you have toward a self that wants to change but can’t.

It’s a track by SEKAI NO OWARI, a band active internationally, included on their third album “Tree,” released in 2015.

Perhaps because the lyrics were written based on vocalist Fukase’s real experiences, the song has a gentle tone yet a realistic finish.

There are surely people who are struggling with the same thoughts as in this song.

Music might be the catalyst that helps you reflect on yourself.

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Araki Jakkan

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IdentitySakanakushon27rank/position

Sakanaction – Identity (MUSIC VIDEO) - BEST ALBUM “Fish Encyclopedia” (3/28 release) -

Released in August 2010, this single is a somewhat wistful dance tune that fuses an intense Latin beat with electronic sounds.

It was featured in a commercial for Toshin High School and used as the theme song for the film “Judge!”, and can be seen as a turning point for Sakanaction.

When you feel like you’re losing your sense of self or get anxious comparing yourself to others, this song gently asks, “What does being you really mean?” It’s a number that empathizes with the hazy, restless feelings of junior high schoolers.

Sparks of Lies96neko28rank/position

96 Neko 'Lies' Spark'

Even when you know it’s a hopeless love, hasn’t everyone experienced being unable to control their feelings? You often hear about people who are too afraid of ruining a good relationship to confess their feelings.

This is a song I want those struggling with that kind of bittersweet dilemma to hear.

It portrays a heartrending love, yet, contrary to the lyrics, the up-tempo, catchy performance is really cool.

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Hane Keisuke

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