Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
We’re introducing the latest top 100 ranking of tear-jerking Japanese songs, all at once, ordered by most views!
When you feel like crying, it’s okay to cry.
It helps you relieve stress and switch gears.
This collection is meant to let you release those pent-up feelings.
The playlist is updated weekly.
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Japanese Ballads That Make You Cry Ranking [2026] (51–60)
Endless JourneyMr.Children51rank/position
This is one of Mr.
Children’s signature works, featuring impressive lyrics that depict the journey of life and a grand, sweeping sound.
Its universal messages—about the importance of moving forward, the courage to face hardship, and the quest to find your ideal self—resonate deeply.
Released in October 1998 and used as the theme song for the TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became one of their defining tracks.
It’s a song that will surely support those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals, as well as those standing at a crossroads or searching for themselves.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE52rank/position
This is a poignant song that delicately expresses feelings hidden deep in the heart.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it centers on the importance of staying true to yourself.
While carrying loneliness and anxiety, it conveys gratitude toward those who accept you as you are, resulting in a track that deeply resonates with the emotions of younger generations who grapple with inner pain and conflict.
With an emotive melody that epitomizes Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and a powerful, heart-stirring message, this work is sure to support anyone who seeks to face themselves and move forward.
futureKobukuro53rank/position
A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.
This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.
Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.
With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.
Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.
Unrequited loveAimer54rank/position
Aimer has a distinctive singing voice that captivates listeners.
No matter the song, her voice draws you in—and makes your heart ache.
That bittersweetness is a perfect match for Kataomoi.
The poignancy of her voice resonates with the poignancy of the lyrics.
If you have feelings you want to convey to someone, this song will surely touch your heart; at karaoke, some people might even be moved to tears.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi55rank/position
Aoi Teshima, whose angelic singing voice gently soothes listeners’ hearts.
Just hearing her voice seems like it could ease the pain your struggling friend is feeling, doesn’t it? Among her songs, this one—featured as the ending theme for the drama “Love That Makes You Cry” starring Kasumi Arimura—is highly recommended! Like asking a friend who lives far away, “How have you been lately?” Send them this song and use a bit of casual conversation to cheer them up and help ease their worries.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS56rank/position
Released in August 2010 as the 14th single, this song was chosen as the cheer anthem for the 92nd National High School Baseball Championship.
Many of you will fondly remember Masahiro Tanaka appearing on the cover and in the music video.
The hopeful message—“If you can just hang on one more step, your dream will come true”—overlaps with the image of high school players striving toward their goals and resonates deeply when you hit a wall in work or life.
With a structure typical of Funky Monkeys, alternating rap and catchy melodies, it peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and remained on the charts for 47 weeks, becoming a long-running hit.
It’s a tear-jerking support song that we especially want those who are giving their all—or on the verge of giving up—to hear.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE57rank/position
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE delivers a deeply personal song written the day after a graduation ceremony.
It’s a heartwarming track that carefully weaves together the transience of youth and the preciousness of everyday life.
Set to a subtly wistful melody, it portrays time spent with friends in high school, the sadness of parting, and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings—beautifully capturing the complex emotions of adolescence that everyone experiences.
Released to the world in February 2018 as the B-side to the single “Love me, Love you,” it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s Craft Boss.
Embracing all who cherish everyday life, this work gently rekindles memories you want to keep tucked away in your heart.
It’s sure to resonate not only with high school students in the midst of their youth, but also with anyone who nostalgically looks back on their school days.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā58rank/position
A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.
Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.
Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.
It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.
It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.
Unrequited lovemiwa59rank/position
This is the eighth single by singer-songwriter miwa, who has been energetically active in live houses since her high school days and has gained popularity for her cute vocals and refreshing songs.
Chosen as the ending theme for the music variety show “saku saku,” the track features a beautiful arrangement spotlighting piano and strings, paired with a clear, straightforward vocal delivery that feels soothing.
As the title suggests, the lyrics depict the anxiety and inner conflict of unrequited love, while conveying an unwavering affection at its core—something that likely resonated with many women.
It’s a love song whose aching emotions pierce the heart and bring tears to your eyes.
AitaiKato Miria60rank/position
A song by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, who began writing lyrics at the age of ten and made her major-label debut as a first-year high school student.
It’s the lead track from her 4th album, Ring, and was used as an insert song in the film Villain.
The lyrics, which portray the turmoil of loving someone who already has a partner and the reality that such love will never come to fruition, convey a heartfelt cry so vivid that even those without similar experiences can picture the scenes.
It’s a tear-jerking love song whose edge voice and piano tones amplify the heartbreak and stir the soul.