Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci29rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

A song that captures the complex feelings of a woman telling her ex that she’s found a new partner.

Her current boyfriend is mature, kind, and makes her feel safe, yet she can’t help but remember how naturally she could be herself around her ex—the song carefully portrays that inner conflict.

Written by wacci’s vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi after hearing a story from a female friend, the track was released digitally in 2018.

Its popularity spread by word of mouth, and by 2021 it had surpassed 100 million total streams.

Recommended for anyone who wants to treasure their current relationship but can’t quite let go of lingering feelings for an ex.

March 9Remioromen30rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

Created to celebrate a friend’s wedding, this classic has continued to color many life milestones since its release in 2004.

Its lyrics, which weave together bonds with loved ones and feelings of gratitude, gently embrace thanks for the time walked together and blessings for the future to come, paralleling the changing seasons.

The song was also tied in as the CM song for AOKI Holdings and featured as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” earning love across generations.

Perfect for moving moments like the entrance scene or the bride’s letter, it’s a song that lets everyone at the venue share warm memories.

wrinklebuzzG31rank/position

[GUMI] Wrinkles [Official Video]

It’s a pure love song that looks back on a life walked together with someone precious.

It’s a track by buzzG, released in 2012.

The original version is included on the album “AMPLOID,” and a rearranged version appears on “THE WALL.” The emotional guitar sound blends beautifully with GUMI’s clear vocals.

And the lyric world—“wrinkles as proof of happiness that increase precisely because you spend so long with the one you love”—is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

It’s a song that will resonate deeply when you’re facing a turning point in life.

cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS32rank/position

RADWIMPS – Aloof [Official Music Video]

This is an epic love song over six minutes long that delicately portrays the wavering emotions of an ambiguous romance.

The bittersweet feelings of being elated or dejected by a partner’s slightest gestures or words are expressed over a calm and beautiful melody.

Included on RADWIMPS’ album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in December 2018, the song was also used as the theme for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?, resonating strongly with younger audiences.

The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio, resulting in a striking visual piece that reflects contemporary views on love.

It’s a track best enjoyed when you can really take your time singing—whether during a solo karaoke session or at karaoke with close friends in a relaxed setting.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI33rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

This is a song by SEKAI NO OWARI whose lyrics, written from the perspective of someone watching over a dream-chaser up close, pierce straight to the heart.

It’s not just a cheer song; it portrays a deep love that sheds tears of joy precisely because it understands the pain and loneliness that accompany the process of taking on a challenge.

Released in February 2018, it was also chosen as NHK’s broadcast theme for the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

It’s included on the album Lip as well.

Bearing the name of a flower that blooms powerfully despite the cold, this piece is sure to stand with everyone facing adversity.

It’s a moving song that gently warms the heart—one to hear when you’re striving desperately toward a goal, or when you’re quietly supporting someone else.

The happiest way to die in the worldkoka34rank/position

The Happiest Way to Die in the World / Reminiscence Song feat. IA

Even with its striking title, “The Happiest Way to Die in the World” is drawing attention.

It’s a ballad that sings about the idea that “if everyone hates you, perhaps it wouldn’t be sad even if you were to die.” Take a moment to reflect on that perspective yourself.

Another appeal is how the simple piano tone accentuates IA’s vocals.

With its very quiet melody, it’s also perfect as a companion for relaxation time.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

StoryAI35rank/position

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.