Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

Don’t go.Souta15rank/position

Don't go / Mafumafu [I Tried Singing]

Those true feelings you can’t bring yourself to say…

haven’t we all experienced that? “Ikanaide” is one of Souta’s signature songs, released in July 2013.

Its retro-tinged sound arrangement pairs perfectly with Yuki Kaai’s murmuring, halting vocals.

As you listen, you’re mysteriously overcome with a sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics trace the protagonist’s inner thoughts at the moment of parting with someone precious.

They really want to stop them from leaving but can’t say it…

It’s a tear-jerking Vocaloid song that makes you imagine all kinds of backstories about what might have happened between the two.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu16rank/position

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

This song, Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~,” was the set piece for the 80th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 2013.

As the title suggests, it’s also a staple graduation song.

Even for those long past their graduation days, it’s a moving track that brings back memories of old friends and fills you with nostalgia, wondering how they’re doing now.

For some, those friends have been a source of strength, helping them make it this far.

Listening to it will make you want to reach out to those friends from the past.

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utatane

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Best FriendKiroro17rank/position

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

It is a masterpiece whose warm melody gently envelops gratitude and bonds between friends, sinking deep into the heart.

It portrays the precious times and memories shared with companions, and the beauty of supporting one another in life, accompanied by a calm yet powerful piano tone.

The work is imbued with boundless gratitude for those who have been a source of support throughout one’s life.

Released in June 2001, it moved many people as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” In 2016, it was also chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney film “The Good Dinosaur,” and it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of many farewells such as graduation ceremonies, and will surely continue to stay in the hearts of many as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments.

Karakuri Pierrot40mP18rank/position

[Hatsune Miku (40mP)] Karakuri Pierrot [Original]

This is a Vocaloid song that makes you feel the pain of self-deprecation—calling oneself a clown for simply being strung along by the person they like.

It’s a track by 40mP, a prolific Vocaloid producer known for creating numerous masterpieces like “Torinoko City,” “Love Trial,” and “Eye Examination,” and it was released in 2011.

One of its features is a sound that’s lively and glamorous, yet tinged with sadness.

At first listen, you might think it’s a bright song, but if you unravel the lyrics, the true meaning of the arrangement comes into focus.

You can almost see the protagonist’s smile—and it brings you to tears.

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Araki Jakkan

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We againSG19rank/position

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter SG, who has garnered attention through his activities on TikTok and YouTube.

Released in April 2021, this song gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope of reunion—truly a track worthy of being called a “Reiwa-era graduation song.” Simple yet irreplaceable memories—like the day they both got drenched after forgetting an umbrella—are sure to vividly resurface in listeners’ hearts.

The piece also made waves when its brass band version was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers.

Pair it with moving ceremony footage or a slideshow of photos with friends, and make your graduation unforgettable—try using it in your Instagram Stories.

The clap-along rhythm makes it perfect for everyone to sing together.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number20rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.

The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.

Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.

horizonback number21rank/position

back number – Horizon

This piece, released in August 2020 by a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, is well known for the story behind its creation: it was made for high school students who lost their stage when the 2020 Inter-High was canceled.

It gently stays close to the frustration of efforts that don’t pay off and the unreasonable sorrow that follows, delivering a message that knowing pain makes us kinder to others—one that deeply moves listeners.

While holding the sense of loss from shattered dreams and goals, it carries a warmth that suggests those very experiences will become the nourishment that shapes your future self.

Even as graduates face a reality that doesn’t go as planned, this song will softly support them as they take their first steps down a new path.

For a cherished new beginning, why not offer the deep love woven by back number?