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

phantom / illusion / vision / fantasyShibata Jun61rank/position

Jun Shibata — Illusion

Shibata Jun’s “Maboroshi” depicts the loneliness that follows a breakup.

It’s included on the album “Watashi,” released in 2005.

The melody unfolds in a quiet tone that evokes the pitch-black darkness of night, deepening the sense of isolation.

The lyrics, which express the pain of being unable to accept as reality a lover’s betrayal and the fact that they are leaving, tighten the chest.

When you can’t face the reality of a breakup, why not rest your heart slowly with this song?

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SAKI

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ETERNAL BLUEMinami62rank/position

Minami – Eternal Blue

This is a song by Minami that portrays the pain of being hurt by the cold, harsh words that overflow in the world and a rebellious spirit toward a difficult-to-live-in society.

From the quiet sound centered on the acoustic guitar, you can feel the instability of a heart where suffering keeps piling up.

Her uniquely deep, resonant voice overlaps with the sorrowful sound, powerfully expressing the tormenting desire to disappear from this place.

Many listeners will likely relate to the anguish of being tossed around by others’ words and the gradual loss of one’s true self.

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kappamaki

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seems like (just) my imaginationChōchō P63rank/position

Kokoronashi - REC Footage [Maji Mako]

This is a heartbreak, gloomy song that sings of the pain and despair of knowing the person you love won’t belong to you alone.

“Kokoronashi” means “it’s just how you feel in your heart” or “it’s just your imagination.” It doesn’t describe being clearly rejected, but rather the agony of sensing they’re seeing someone else while struggling between your feelings of love for them and your possessiveness.

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Hito Sui

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DarlingSuda Keina64rank/position

Keina Suda – Darling (Music Video)

Keina Suda, known as a Vocaloid producer and singer-songwriter, has released “Darling,” a song that’s gone viral on social media.

Sung from a woman’s perspective, it expresses love for a man who won’t turn around to notice her.

While it includes elements often labeled as menhera or yandere, the song depicts only straightforward, sincere affection—without resentment or anger.

Incidentally, the music video portrays her mental distress a bit more concretely.

Watching it will likely leave a very different impression.

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yamamoto

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A passing shower in the month of Minazuki (June)wiroha ringo65rank/position

http://www.nicovideo.jp

When you’re all by yourself, do you ever find yourself gradually feeling unwell for some reason? This piece is by Iroha Ringo, a popular Vocaloid producer known for works like “Aishite Knife.” It was released in 2019.

The song has a Japanese-style atmosphere that stirs a sense of wistfulness and tightens your chest as you listen.

The cool vocals are wonderful.

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Araki Jakkan

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Shut up.Ado66rank/position

[Ado] Shut Up

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.

Tot MusicaAdo (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)67rank/position

[Ado] Tot Musica (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

Ado’s “Tot Musica” pulls you into its ever-present dark atmosphere.

It’s a song she performs as Uta, a character from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.

The track is included on the 2022 album Uta no Uta ONE PIECE FILM RED.

Runes are used here and there in the lyrics, adding to the song’s eerie feel.

Just listening to or singing the song gives you the chilling sense that something might happen.

Still, the weighty, massive sound is just plain cool! It’s recommended both for those who want to deepen the darkness and for anyone who loves thick, hard-hitting rock sounds.

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SAKI

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fragileEvery Little Thing68rank/position

Every Little Thing / fragile

This ballad, “fragile,” is one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs.

It was a big hit and became very popular.

The poignant feeling that suits autumn envelops the entire track.

It’s a classic that just about everyone knows.

GlideLily Chou-Chou69rank/position

Lily Chou-Chou – Glide (Riri Shushu – Glide)

She is the singer who appears in the film All About Lily Chou-Chou.

In reality, the vocals are by Salyu.

The film itself deals with troubled, pent-up emotions of youth, so the songs are dark as well.

Please watch the movie first.

Lily Chou-Chou’s music has a morbid feel to it.

EverythingMISIA70rank/position

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

Released in 2000, this is one of MISIA’s signature songs.

It was also used as a TV drama theme song, and I think its unparalleled ballad—with a majestic melody that evokes a wintry sky and a voice that feels beyond what you’d expect from a Japanese singer—is truly exceptional.

It’s a defining song of the 2000s that fully conveys the ache of not being able to see someone you love and the intensity of those feelings.