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] (71–80)
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks71rank/position
The collaboration unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks—featuring vocalist CHiCO and the creator group HoneyWorks—has a graduation song titled “Okuri Uta” (Song of Sending).
It’s a popular tear-jerking graduation song and is highly recommended as a choral piece for ceremonies.
Sung from the perspective of graduating students, it’s packed with heartfelt thanks to parents and teachers, making both the givers and receivers of the song moved to tears.
It’s a touching graduation song that looks back on the past, speaking softly, bit by bit, while conveying gratitude.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu72rank/position
It’s an anthem that deeply resonates with those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals.
Released in 2004, the song was chosen as the official theme for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics, moving people across Japan.
Its lyrics affirm the tears shed in secret and the uneven paths we’ve walked, gently reassuring us that “the effort you’ve put in won’t be wasted.” Believing in the light that awaits beyond hardship, this piece gives you the courage to move forward; it hits especially hard when you’re struggling with work or relationships, or when you’re about to take a new step.
A song our generation listened to in our youth, it continues to stir our hearts today, unchanged.
DREAMShimizu Shota73rank/position
This is the 15th single by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, used as the ending theme for the TV drama “The Mysterious Transfer Student.” It’s a friendship song you’d want to dedicate to a dear best friend, expressing gratitude for how meeting a friend drastically changed one’s life and singing about a strong bond that makes anything possible when you’re together.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa74rank/position
Released in March 2017, this song was put out as Koresawa’s final single before her major-label debut—a poignant ballad about heartbreak.
The scene where the narrator picks up something left behind by an ex they supposedly hated, only to choke on its lingering scent, conveys the pain of regret over a lost relationship.
The lyrics interweave the remorse of not having paid enough attention to the other person with the longing to have been seen more themselves, vividly reflecting the anguish of a breakup brought on by clumsy expressions of love.
Set against a simple acoustic sound, Koresawa’s vocals gently soak into the heart, carrying the weight of feelings that couldn’t be put into words.
budKobukuro75rank/position
Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.
It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.
Life expectancy: 2:30Pinokio P76rank/position
The message expressing the feelings of the Vocaloid singing the song resonates deeply in ‘Yomei 2:30.’ Created in 2022 by PinocchioP, a Vocaloid producer known for many signature tracks.
As soon as the song begins, Hatsune Miku is born and, while acutely aware of her short time to live, questions what life is.
The gradually building electronic sound from a simple piano-and-vocal arrangement seems to mirror her wavering emotions.
This Vocaloid track matches the image of Hatsune Miku desperately living through a fleeting moment with the shifting emotions of human beings.
Best FriendNishino Kana77rank/position
A heartwarming ballad filled with gratitude and love for friendship.
Kana Nishino’s straightforward lyrics, which express her feelings for her friends, truly resonate.
Released in February 2010, the song was also used for NTT Docomo’s exam-support campaign.
Even if you feel things like, “Because you were there, every day was fun,” or “No matter how many times I say thank you, it’ll never be enough,” it can be a bit embarrassing to say them directly.
Listening to this song together with the people you care about in spring—when graduations and new school terms bring change—can help you reaffirm your feelings for each other and take the first step together into a new stage.
wishsumika78rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad by sumika that portrays the ache of unrequited love and the inner conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness.
Included on the single “Negai / Higher Ground,” released in December 2019, this song was written as the theme for TV Asahi’s Saturday Night Drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.” In an astonishing anecdote, vocalist Kenta Kataoka reportedly revised the lyrics 117 times to align with the drama’s worldview.
The lyrics, which struggle to hold back overflowing feelings, and the melody that grows more heated as the emotions rise, are sure to bring tears.
It’s a gentle yet heartrending masterpiece, one we especially hope those who can’t muster the courage on Valentine’s Day and are holding onto painful feelings will listen to.
Cowardly Mont BlancDECO*2779rank/position
When it comes to GUMI songs, this is the one! I’m sure many Vocaloid fans would agree.
This track, created by the Vocaloid producer DECO*27—who has also written many songs for famous artists—was released in 2010.
The lyrics candidly portray the protagonist’s emotional weakness: even though they were supposed to love that person, at some point they lost sight of their true feelings.
You can feel that pain coming through the music, and it tightens your chest.
There’s also a novel adaptation, which I highly recommend checking out as well.
proofflumpool80rank/position
Hearing flumpool’s “Akashi” playing on the field during the closing ceremony is truly moving.
This song carries a warm message, and it feels like it stays close to the children, who sense something and have given their all throughout the sports day.
When it echoes across the grounds, you can’t help but be touched.
It’s a song that gives courage to children stepping forward into the future, so please give it a listen.
The sense of accomplishment from a day of hard work may deeply resonate in your heart.
