Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi22rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

If you’re feeling the loneliness of a broken heart, you should definitely give this song a listen.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature tracks, released as a single in 1997.

It became a hit after being chosen as the theme song for the film “The Moon and the Cabbage,” and years later it was also used as the theme for the animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” The sound of the acoustic guitar and Yamazaki’s vocals gently sink in.

And that feeling of searching for someone dear to you, even while knowing they’re not there… the poignant imagery really pierces the heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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LemonYonezu Kenshi23rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

This song portrays feelings for a loved one who has been lost, likening them to the bitterness of a lemon.

Its lyrics, where the pain of never meeting again intersects with the warm memories that still remain in the heart, strike listeners deeply.

Kenshi Yonezu created it based on his own experience of losing his grandfather, and that earnest emotion permeates the entire piece.

Released in March 2018 as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural,” it spent a total of seven weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

At the 69th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, he performed it via live broadcast from his hometown in Tokushima Prefecture, moving many viewers to tears.

It is a quiet companion for those who have lost someone precious or who wish to face the farewells that inevitably come someday.

horizonback number24rank/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?

Dawn and Firefliesn-buna25rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] Dawn and Fireflies [Original]

“Yoake to Hotaru” is a song by the Vocaloid producer n-buna, released in 2014.

It was included on the 2015 album “Hana to Mizuame, Saishuu Densha” (Flowers and Sugar Water, Last Train).

It’s a deeply nostalgic number that makes effective use of rests and muted guitar techniques.

In the song’s climax, the sound surges like a wave.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

from Y to YJimii Samu P26rank/position

Hatsune Miku from Y to Y

It’s a medium-tempo ballad that gently wraps a heartrending farewell.

Composed by JimmySamP, who also created “Calc.” and “No Logic,” it was released in 2009.

Featured in the rhythm games “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA 2nd” and “Project SEKAI: Colorful Stage! feat.

Hatsune Miku,” it’s a classic that has captivated Vocaloid fans for many years.

The delicate piano-centered arrangement paired with a sentimental melody is truly wonderful.

This song stays close to the hearts of those burdened by the pain of heartbreak and loneliness, giving them the courage to look forward.

Give it a listen when you feel like having a good cry.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number27rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

Back number is a rock band that has released many classic songs about bittersweet love.

Their song “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” tells the story of a man with unrequited feelings who spends his birthday alone.

Rather than a song to give to someone, it’s a birthday song you want to listen to quietly by yourself.

Like in this song, there are probably many men with unrequited love who think, “If only she were right beside me…” as their birthday approaches.

It’s a bittersweet song, but listening to it might just give you the push to confess on your birthday… and that could be a good idea!

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sasashina

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PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism28rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

An unbridgeable distance and the reality that you can’t make the other person happy yourself.

This song, a signature track by Official HIGE DANDism, vividly portrays that heartrending struggle.

Written as the theme song for the 2019 film “The Confidence Man JP,” it pairs a pop melody with lyrics that cut deep into the heart.

Satoshi Fujwara’s emotional vocals painfully convey a sense of powerlessness against fate, along with a pure love that persists nonetheless.

Swallowing the words “I love you,” he simply engraves the other’s beauty in his heart and walks away…

That mature exit brings tears to your eyes.

If your chest aches from an unrequited love, immerse yourself in this world.