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] (41–50)
It’s not that I want to die.Asanomachi50rank/position
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.
Popular “Yami” songs: Japanese music / J-pop artist ranking [2026] (51–60)
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru51rank/position
A single released in 2016 as part of Hikaru Utada’s comeback project after pausing her music career.
It’s a song dedicated to her mother, the singer Keiko Fuji, who died suddenly by suicide, and it’s truly impossible to listen to without tears.
Even when there’s so much you want to say, there’s a loneliness in not being able to say it all—something everyone may experience.
And yet, when you close your eyes, a smiling face appears.
This song tells us that that alone is enough—an expansive hymn of love to a mother.
I want to see you.sawada chikako52rank/position
This is also a famous song.
Hearing these lyrics sung with such a pure, beautiful voice makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Those who have experienced a bittersweet love might even be moved to tears.
When Mr.
Sawada was a student, he confessed to his senior that he had decided to become a singer, and the senior reportedly told him, “I’ll be your first fan.” But a few days later, the senior tragically died in a traffic accident.
illlovedSOOOO53rank/position
This work by SOOOO was released in June 2024.
First, the noise-drenched soundscape and post-industrial resonance pierce the heart.
The vocals feature Kagamine Len, who makes a strong presence even amid the avant-garde sound.
The heavy, oppressive lyrics tear your emotions to shreds.
It’s a must-listen “yami” song that’s drawing attention from overseas Vocaloid fans as well.
seems like (just) my imaginationmaji musume54rank/position
It’s a song I want to listen to when I’m tired of everything.
When you can’t trust anyone and you’re in a tough situation, listening to it will make your heart feel a little lighter.
The cry-like vocals really pierce the heart… Many singers have covered it, and it’s a highly acclaimed song.
Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo55rank/position
This is a heartwarming song that delicately portrays how the smile of someone precious comes to mind in moments when your heart feels like it might break amid an unremarkably passing everyday life.
Aina the End wrote and composed the song, with production by Shingo Sekiguchi of Ovall.
Her quietly companionable husky voice blends exquisitely with the warm acoustic sound.
Written in February 2020 as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS drama “Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte” (“Only on the Nights I Want to Die”), Aina the End—who was a fan of the original work—carefully captured the story’s worldview.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely, hopeless, or on the verge of breaking.
The presence of someone dear, and the warmth of shared memories, will surely become a source of support for your heart.
excuseSha ran Q56rank/position
This is Sharan Q’s 10th single, released in 1996.
It was the theme song for the drama “Age, 35: Koishikute.” It’s a heartbreak song, but you could also call it a “dark,” male-perspective track.
It features Tsunku♂’s characteristically sticky, lingering lyrics and a decidedly unbright melody.
Looking at the lyrics, you can tell the narrator repeatedly falls in love with women, devotes himself to them, and then is quickly discarded.
