Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

planetariumOtsuka Ai36rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

YELLikimonogakari37rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

YELL by Ikimonogakari was produced as the required piece for the junior high school division of the 76th NHK National School Music Competition.

Released as a single in 2009, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart.

The lyrics poignantly capture the delicate, sensitive hearts of junior high school students and are filled with messages for 15-year-olds that you come to understand only after growing up.

It’s an encouraging song that we especially want struggling junior high schoolers to hear, and it’s also a hugely popular graduation song.

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First LoveUtada Hikaru38rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A youthful love song by Hikaru Utada, whose lyrical piano tones and crystalline vocals sink deep into the heart.

The sorrow of parting and precious memories are woven together with care, and the recollection of first love returns like a film playing inside your mind.

Many will relate to the protagonist’s feeling that, even if a new romance comes along after the end of one, they can’t forget their first love.

Released in March 1999 on the album “First Love,” it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” broadcast the same year.

It’s a song that truly stays by the side of anyone who has experienced farewell with someone dear and is trying to move forward while holding those memories deep in their heart.

I loved (it/you)erica39rank/position

erica – “I Loved You” Full PV

A ballad by singer-songwriter Erica that weaves together the ache of heartbreaking unrequited love and the feelings left unspoken, set to the sound of piano.

The sorrow of a breakup and the pain of parting are delicately expressed through her clear, translucent voice.

Released in November 2015 and included on the album “Koku-uta 2: Things I Want to Tell You Before Graduation,” this song stands by those who have experienced parting, offering the courage to face forward while embracing the pain.

It will gently envelop the hearts of those who cannot accept the end of a romance, or who carry the regret of not having conveyed their feelings before it was over.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN40rank/position

GReeeeN – Haruka

I’d like to introduce a moving ballad where the loneliness of leaving home intertwines with a strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

This work by GReeeeN expresses gratitude to the parents who raised us, and every listen warms the heart by reminding us of family love.

Released in May 2009 as their 11th single, it’s also famous as the theme song for the blockbuster film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” By setting aside the rap parts to let the vocals take center stage, the song resonates deeply.

It’s perfect not only for students about to leave home, but also for adults who’ve long been out in society and want to recall their original resolve.

Highly recommended as background music for graduation season or for videos expressing thanks to someone special.

HarukaYOASOBI41rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work from YOASOBI—known for their gentle, warm vocals and story-rich songs—that poignantly depicts parting from a loved one.

From the unique perspective of a moon prince who has become a mug and watches over a girl through half her life, the song tenderly weaves themes of family and friendship bonds, the joy of growth, and the sorrow of farewell.

Released in December 2020, the piece was featured as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021: Hakata—Festival of Goldfish” and in a Takara Tomy commercial.

Its warm narrative carried by a simple melody will be there to comfort you when you want to look back on memories with your companions, or when you need courage before saying goodbye to someone important.

KanadeSukima Suichi42rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This is one of Sukima Switch’s signature ballads, the kind you want to listen to when the season of farewells arrives.

Released as a single in March 2004, it’s also well known as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 “Nettō Kōshien.” The lyrics, set to a wistful melody, portray parting with someone important while holding on to hope for the future.

Many listeners are surely moved by its message of a strong bond that keeps people connected through song even when they’re apart.

Featured on the album “Natsugumo Noise,” it has remained beloved and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a song perfect for spring, when life changes—whether you’re taking a new step forward or looking back nostalgically on your youth.