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.
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Japanese Ballads That Make You Cry Ranking [2026] (71–80)
wishsumika78rank/position
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.
Cowardly Mont BlancDECO*2779rank/position
When it comes to GUMI songs, this is the one! I’m sure many Vocaloid fans would agree.
This track, created by the Vocaloid producer DECO*27—who has also written many songs for famous artists—was released in 2010.
The lyrics candidly portray the protagonist’s emotional weakness: even though they were supposed to love that person, at some point they lost sight of their true feelings.
You can feel that pain coming through the music, and it tightens your chest.
There’s also a novel adaptation, which I highly recommend checking out as well.
proofflumpool80rank/position
Hearing flumpool’s “Akashi” playing on the field during the closing ceremony is truly moving.
This song carries a warm message, and it feels like it stays close to the children, who sense something and have given their all throughout the sports day.
When it echoes across the grounds, you can’t help but be touched.
It’s a song that gives courage to children stepping forward into the future, so please give it a listen.
The sense of accomplishment from a day of hard work may deeply resonate in your heart.
Ranking of Tear-Jerking J-Pop Songs [2026] (81–90)
as long as (I/you/they) live; if only (one) livesKasamura Tōta81rank/position
This is a Vocaloid ballad whose gentle piano tones and heartrending vocals pierce the heart—sure to bring you to tears.
Composed by Tota Kasamura, it was released in April 2023.
Also included on the album “How to Become a Wonderful Adult 2,” the song centers on the courage to overcome setbacks and hardships.
Its message that “there is value in being alive” warmly embraces every listener.
Give it a listen after a painful experience or when you feel like you’re losing yourself.
If you laugh at the skywacci82rank/position
A heartwarming anthem that tenderly portrays the bonds formed with friends in youth, it resonates deeply and offers courage to overcome hardship while standing beside young people who can’t always face straight ahead.
Released by wacci in July 2018, the song drew attention as the support anthem for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Included on the album Kanjo Hyakkei (“A Hundred Views of Emotion”), its driving melody gently pushes forward those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone striving to move ahead—despite doubts and anxieties—while supporting one another with their friends.
OrangeTōma83rank/position
It’s a ballad that sings of days spent with a loved one, with a heartache that makes your chest tighten.
It’s a song by Towa, also known as the creator of “Envy Cat Walk” and “Kowloon Retro,” released in 2012.
The sorrowful tone of the guitar alone can make you go “ugh.” It’s a classic Vocaloid track that makes your imagination run wild about how the two people in the lyrics first met, how they spent their time together, and what sort of end they ultimately faced.
Love is litrokudenashi84rank/position
This work by the music project Rokudenashi is a single released digitally in February 2023.
It’s a ballad born from a collaboration between vocalist Ninjin and Vocaloid producer MIMI, characterized by a simple, piano-centered arrangement.
The song portrays a world in which the presence of someone brings warmth to a heart burdened by loneliness and anxiety, and Ninjin’s delicate vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
It became a major topic on social media platforms like TikTok and was performed at a special live show in December.
It’s a gentle track that quietly stays by your side when you feel tired or find life difficult in your day-to-day.