Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

budKobukuro71rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi72rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A song that overlays the gradual misalignment of two people’s relationship with an instrument keeping a steady rhythm, conveying a poignant sense of missed connections that tugs at the heart.

Included on the 2015 album “Bremen,” this track powerfully conveys the helplessness of starting in the same tempo only to drift apart over time, as well as the lingering attachment that makes you keep searching for the other person even after you’ve parted.

The animated music video—hand-drawn by Kenshi Yonezu himself with about 200 illustrations—visually deepens the song’s world and leaves a strong impression.

For anyone with an unforgettable love or who has experienced growing apart from someone dear, this is a sorrowful yet beautiful ballad that resonates deeply.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa73rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

Released in March 2017, this song was put out as Koresawa’s final single before her major-label debut—a poignant ballad about heartbreak.

The scene where the narrator picks up something left behind by an ex they supposedly hated, only to choke on its lingering scent, conveys the pain of regret over a lost relationship.

The lyrics interweave the remorse of not having paid enough attention to the other person with the longing to have been seen more themselves, vividly reflecting the anguish of a breakup brought on by clumsy expressions of love.

Set against a simple acoustic sound, Koresawa’s vocals gently soak into the heart, carrying the weight of feelings that couldn’t be put into words.

Best FriendNishino Kana74rank/position

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] 'Best Friend' MV Full

A heartwarming ballad filled with gratitude and love for friendship.

Kana Nishino’s straightforward lyrics, which express her feelings for her friends, truly resonate.

Released in February 2010, the song was also used for NTT Docomo’s exam-support campaign.

Even if you feel things like, “Because you were there, every day was fun,” or “No matter how many times I say thank you, it’ll never be enough,” it can be a bit embarrassing to say them directly.

Listening to this song together with the people you care about in spring—when graduations and new school terms bring change—can help you reaffirm your feelings for each other and take the first step together into a new stage.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE75rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This is a poignant song that delicately expresses feelings hidden deep in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it centers on the importance of staying true to yourself.

While carrying loneliness and anxiety, it conveys gratitude toward those who accept you as you are, resulting in a track that deeply resonates with the emotions of younger generations who grapple with inner pain and conflict.

With an emotive melody that epitomizes Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and a powerful, heart-stirring message, this work is sure to support anyone who seeks to face themselves and move forward.

Life expectancy: 2:30Pinokio P76rank/position

PinocchioP – 2:30 Left to Live feat. Hatsune Miku / 2:30 Life Remaining

The message expressing the feelings of the Vocaloid singing the song resonates deeply in ‘Yomei 2:30.’ Created in 2022 by PinocchioP, a Vocaloid producer known for many signature tracks.

As soon as the song begins, Hatsune Miku is born and, while acutely aware of her short time to live, questions what life is.

The gradually building electronic sound from a simple piano-and-vocal arrangement seems to mirror her wavering emotions.

This Vocaloid track matches the image of Hatsune Miku desperately living through a fleeting moment with the shifting emotions of human beings.

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wishsumika77rank/position

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by sumika that portrays the ache of unrequited love and the inner conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness.

Included on the single “Negai / Higher Ground,” released in December 2019, this song was written as the theme for TV Asahi’s Saturday Night Drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.” In an astonishing anecdote, vocalist Kenta Kataoka reportedly revised the lyrics 117 times to align with the drama’s worldview.

The lyrics, which struggle to hold back overflowing feelings, and the melody that grows more heated as the emotions rise, are sure to bring tears.

It’s a gentle yet heartrending masterpiece, one we especially hope those who can’t muster the courage on Valentine’s Day and are holding onto painful feelings will listen to.