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

planetariumOtsuka Ai43rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro44rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – If Being Alive Is Painful

It’s a ballad whose shocking opening line makes everyone doubt their ears—and then captures their hearts.

Sung by Naotaro Moriyama, who frames the world from a unique perspective, this masterpiece lays bare both the pain and joy of living.

The lyrics, written by poet Ochanomizu Kazu around 1997, were turned into a song after Moriyama happened upon them.

Released in August 2008 as his 16th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for Shuto Iko, Osaka Isen, and Nagoya Isen.

Its paradoxical wording delivers a message that affirms “living,” one that should especially resonate with those carrying deep worries.

Rather than forcing yourself to be cheerful, why not listen quietly on a night when you want to face your heart with calm?

366 daysHY45rank/position

HY 366 Days LIVE

A four-piece band from Okinawa, HY features a male-female twin vocal mix and is active mainly in their local area.

This song, used as the theme for the film “Threads of Destiny,” is included on their fifth indie album, “HeartY.” The poignant lyrics and melody—born from vocalist/keyboardist Izumi Nakasone’s real-life experience—likely resonated with many women.

Despite never being released as a single, it is known as one of HY’s signature songs: a gem of a heartbreak ballad.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika46rank/position

Mika Nakashima – The Reason I Thought I Would Die / THE FIRST TAKE

There are days when you don’t want to do anything or go to school, and your heart can feel lonely.

When upbeat music feels too hard to listen to, try giving “Boku ga Shino to Omotta no wa” a listen.

Mika Nakashima released it in 2013, and it also drew attention because Hiromu Akita from the rock band amazarashi produced it.

Life isn’t full of only good things, but its lyrics—ones that make you feel like you can try living a little more gently—speak to you softly, especially when you’re feeling lonely.

Please listen to this song at least once; it reminds you that it hurts precisely because you’re doing your best and living earnestly.

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mutō

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curseYamazaki Hako47rank/position

Hako Yamasaki - Curse

This is “Noroi” (“Curse”), a song by Hako Yamasaki released in 1979.

I think there are times when we end up hating someone so much we feel like cursing them.

When those feelings surface, don’t you feel overwhelmed with guilt and find it hard to breathe? In those moments, please listen to this song.

Realizing “I’m not the only one who feels this way” should ease your heart.

Although it’s a dark, ominous piece, you could also say it’s a warm song that absorbs the darkness in people’s hearts.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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It’s not that I want to die.Asanomachi48rank/position

It’s Not That I Want to Die / KAFU

A song whose fleeting, translucent vocals almost bring you to tears.

Its lyrics—like the soft words that slip out in the stillness before sleep—gently embrace a lonely heart.

Asanomachii’s delicate production and KAFU’s crystal-clear voice blend beautifully, creating a work that deeply moves its listeners.

Released in August 2024 and included on the album “Yoi no Machi,” this track quietly stays close to those who feel life is hard or who struggle to find where they belong, and to those whose hearts are worn out by modern society.

It’s a song to lean on when you don’t want to force yourself to look ahead, but instead wish to face your feelings just as they are.

voiceAmano Tsukiko49rank/position

Voice (with lyrics) — Tsukiko Amano

Tsukiko Amano debuted in 2001 as a singer-songwriter shrouded in mystery, keeping her profile undisclosed.

“Koe” is her 11th single, released in 2005, and it exquisitely matches her uniquely cool-toned voice with lyrics that embrace self-sacrifice.

In 2009, she changed her stage name to Tsuki Amano and expanded her activities beyond music.