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Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
We’re introducing the latest top 100 ranking of tear-jerking Japanese songs, all at once, ordered by most views!
When you feel like crying, it’s okay to cry.
It helps you relieve stress and switch gears.
This collection is meant to let you release those pent-up feelings.
The playlist is updated weekly.
Ranking of Tearjerker J-Pop Songs [2026] (1–10)
It’s fine for now.MIMI1rank/position
A ballad whose beautiful, heartrending melody and striking piano sound gently stay by your side.
Wrapped in a warm, tender tune, it sings as if offering a quiet hand to someone weary of putting on a brave face.
There are nights when we can’t sleep, unable to accept our failures, setbacks, or our own frailty.
This song encourages you to keep moving forward at your own pace, embracing even past tears as cherished memories.
Released as a single in December 2022, it is also included on the album “When I Embrace the Night.” out in March 2025.
It’s a song to listen to softly when you’re hurting or feel like you’re trying too hard on your own.
Happinessback number2rank/position
A back number ballad that tightens your chest with overwhelming poignancy.
It delicately depicts the pain of unrequited love, where the closeness of being right next to someone only makes them feel farther away.
Knowing there’s someone else in their heart, you still force a smile—some listeners may find themselves in tears at that image.
Included on the single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011, and later featured on the October album “Superstar,” this song offers gentle, beautiful tones to those burdened with feelings they can’t express or hearts troubled by unattainable love.
Why not listen to it on a night when you just want to cry your heart out?
fishback number3rank/position
This is a heartbreak song that portrays the poignant feelings for a love that will never return, hidden deep within the heart.
Amid an urban sound, the vocals brim with power, as if emotions are overflowing, and that contrast heightens the sentiment.
Released in February 2014, this track is the band’s ninth single and is also included on their fourth album, “Love Story.” Listening to this piece, which depicts the cruel reality faced by the female protagonist, will bring tears to women suffering from heartbreak as their emotions spill over.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who has someone they just can’t forget.
Because I fell in loveaimyon4rank/position
It’s a work that feels like it’s sitting beside you, speaking to you gently when you can’t help but cry and cry.
It’s a song by the singer-songwriter Aimyon, also known for hits like “Marigold” and “Naked Heart,” and it’s included on her second album, Momentary Sixth Sense, released in 2019.
This ballad features the tender tones of an acoustic guitar, and Aimyon’s vocals leave a warm impression.
As you listen with your eyes closed, you may find tears naturally streaming down your face.
Happy Endingback number5rank/position
A ballad that portrays the heartrending feeling of trying to force a smile while hiding the sorrow of parting.
It vividly depicts the protagonist’s struggle, unable to fully accept the breakup and cut off lingering feelings for their former partner.
Their attempt to act tough and pretend there’s a happy ending is so poignant it brings tears to your eyes.
Released in November 2016 as their 16th single, this song was written as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” which premiered in December of the same year.
It’s one of back number’s signature tracks, also included on the album “Encore.” Why not listen to it on a night when you want to let your emotions flow and cry your heart out to feel refreshed?
NAOHY6rank/position
This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.
The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.
Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.
It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.
Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.
If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi7rank/position
This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.
Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.
It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.
Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.
After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?
CHARMWANIMA8rank/position
A song by WANIMA characterized by a powerful punk-rock sound and an uplifting message.
Included on their major-label first album “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018, it was also used in commercials for Kikkoman and “Juken ni in Jelly.” The lyrics convey a sense of connection that transcends the bond and distance between the band and their fans.
Teaching the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to have the courage to move forward even in difficult times, this track is recommended for those who want to reaffirm friendship and bonds.
balladKetsumeishi9rank/position
This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.
It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.
Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.
Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.
It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi10rank/position
A J-pop number by Kenshi Yonezu that delicately portrays the subtleties of a heart that can’t be honest.
His vocals, filled with tenderness and longing for a precious presence right before you, blend with the clear resonance of an acoustic guitar to deeply touch the heart.
You want to express your feelings, yet can’t quite weave the right words.
Those fragile emotions meld with a beautiful melody infused with elements of alternative rock.
Chosen as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s 2014 advertising campaign “Color your days.” and included on the album YANKEE, this piece closely resonates with anyone who struggles to speak their true feelings or wishes to express love for their family.