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] (31–40)
wedgeOku Hanako36rank/position
The more you love someone, the harder the parting hurts.
When you’ve had your heart broken after a great love, this song will surely bring you to tears.
Created by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, known for hit songs like “Kawaranai Mono,” it was released in 2015 as her 15th single.
As it has been performed for a long time, there are several versions, but it is basically a simple piece consisting only of piano and vocals.
Yet it has depth, drawing you into a cinematic world.
Our FailureMorita Doji37rank/position
You could even call this the ultimate “King of Depressive Songs”! Maybe many people from younger generations don’t know it, but the gently airy voice delivering the halting lyrics and the suggestive title really get to you.
Highly recommended for when you want to sink all the way down—just be careful not to sink too far…
I can’t stand that cute girl.narumiya38rank/position
Set to a poppy, upbeat rhythm, this track vividly chronicles complex feelings like infatuation and jealousy.
It’s a single released by singer-songwriter Narumiya in September 2023, and it sparked a huge response mainly on social media.
Packed with possessiveness toward a crush and aching wishes, the more you listen, the tighter your chest feels.
Yet those disarmingly honest lyrics end up speaking for your feelings and lightening your heart.
Why not give it a listen when you’re struggling with unrequited love or wishing someone would understand your true feelings at night? If you let yourself sink into the up-tempo groove and let out the haze in your heart, you might feel a bit refreshed.
Cute Girlfriendsyudou39rank/position
“Cute Girlfriend” is a song that pierces deep into the emotions.
In syudou’s work, the lyrics are marked by a sense of heartache and darkness, embracing those who are dealing with heartbreak and painful feelings and giving voice to what lies within their hearts.
Its maddeningly single-minded love for a partner rides on a rhythmic yet subtly unsettling melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
syudou’s vocals carry a uniquely poignant and beautiful allure found nowhere else, making this a track you’ll want to hear especially in tough times.
By laying bare its emotions, this song may ease the hearts of those who carry similar pain.
shameless; indecentchanmina40rank/position
A track by Chanmina that portrays a destructive love driven purely by instinct.
Released digitally in September 2021, it drew attention as the title song of her third full-length album, Harenchi, which came out in October of the same year.
In March 2022, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show The Grass Is Greener Next Door 3, becoming a long-running hit with over 200 million streams.
The lyrics, where wavering emotions, desire, and guilt intersect, vividly depict the peril of a love you know you shouldn’t pursue but can’t stop.
Those moments when you surrender to impulses you can’t even control yourself are sure to resonate with anyone who’s felt the same.
Popular “Yami” Songs: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (41–50)
The kid who always gets comparedTsuyu41rank/position
A song by Tsuyu that empathizes with the pain of being compared to others.
Many of us have been hurt by being measured against someone else.
This work portrays, head-on, the feelings of inferiority and inner conflict from the perspective of the one being compared.
Rei’s clear, translucent vocals and Pusu’s band sound—blending rock and pop—resonate deeply.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s earnest emotions as they are continually compared by those around them, and their determination to keep going even while blaming themselves is truly moving.
The track was included on the February 2020 album “Yappari Ame wa Furun da ne,” and a remixed version was later released.
It was also featured in Konami’s music game SOUND VOLTEX, earning love from a wide audience.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling unsure of yourself or hurt by comparisons.
It will surely whisper, “I understand,” and stay by your side.
remainingYoshizawa Kayoko42rank/position
A bittersweet number that highlights Kayoko Yoshizawa’s languid vocals.
Its delicate, film-like imagery stirs an indescribably profound feeling.
The protagonist’s memories of a mere “one day” seem to drift by along with the soothing melody.
It may not plunge you into despair, but it’s perfect for those times when you just want to linger in a pensive mood—a highly recommended track for such moments.