Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

Yoshiwara Lamentasa85rank/position

[Kasane Teto] Yoshiwara Lament [Original]

This is a Japanese-style Vocaloid song whose lyrics trace the sorrowful feelings of a woman.

It’s a signature track by Asa, a Vocaloid producer also known as the bassist of the rock group Wagakki Band, released in 2012.

The rock sound incorporates tones that evoke a traditional Japanese atmosphere in places—absolutely irresistible.

Another appeal is the highly narrative lyrics centered on the theme of an oiran.

The more you think about the protagonist, who couldn’t live freely, the tighter your chest feels.

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Araki Jakkan

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Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy86rank/position

With lyrics: Hatsune Miku - Sakura no Ame - PV

It’s an emotional message song themed around graduation.

Released in 2008 by halyosy, it features a memorable, poetic expression that likens cherry blossom petals to rain.

Its gentle melody, filled with nostalgia and bittersweetness, and the warm tones of piano and strings resonate deeply.

In November 2008, it became the major debut single of absorb, the unit halyosy belongs to, and in 2016 it even inspired a live-action film, showcasing its broad reach.

Because it deals with universal themes like parting with loved ones and graduation, anyone can listen and overlay it with their own memories.

Heart rate #0822Chōchō P87rank/position

[Hatsune Miku Append DARK] Heart Rate #0822 [Original Song]

When I’m with you, my heart rate goes up.

This song expresses that straightforward feeling.

The lyrics about wanting to be grateful for being alive and for your presence are also moving.

You could call it a quintessential pure love song in the Vocaloid genre.

Why not listen to it while recalling the flutter in your chest when you fell in love?

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko88rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

It’s a song by aiko that portrays a delicate heart: identifying with an insect that protects itself with a hard shell yet is fragile inside, and acting tough precisely because it’s in love.

Like that insect that cannot survive the winter, the song foresees the end of love, yet its deep affection moves you as it tries to accept even the sadness as a cherished memory.

Released in November 1999, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s CDTV.

If you’ve ever found yourself putting on a brave front in front of someone you like, you’ll understand this all too well! As you listen, may you embrace that awkwardness as a part of yourself and find the courage to step forward into tomorrow.

GarnetOku Hanako89rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

Dried flowersYuuri90rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

Yuri’s hit song “Dry Flower” likens a finished romance to dried flowers.

Sparked by buzz on social media and his appearance on THE FIRST TAKE, the track was released in 2020 and brought many to tears who were carrying the pain of heartbreak.

It seems calm and composed—thinking, “We’ve already broken up, there were plenty of things I didn’t like, so time will take care of the rest”—yet it reveals that a lot of love still lingers in the heart.

While putting on a brave face, the song can’t fully deny the cherished moments and the things once adored, and those raw feelings bring the tears flowing.

If there’s someone you can’t forget and you want to cry alone thinking of them, please give it a listen.

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SAKI

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The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 4691rank/position

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

Nogizaka46’s “Sayonara no Imi” has established itself for many people as a moving graduation song.

Upon its 2016 release, it was highly acclaimed within the group and even won first place in fan voting for best song.

While centered on the theme of parting, its lyrics cherish encounters and convey a positive message, making it perfect for the milestone day of graduation.

Even as it evokes the loneliness of saying goodbye, it lets listeners greet a new beginning with a fresh sense of resolve.

Its melody and lyrics may draw tears, yet they also give the strength to embrace hope.