Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE57rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

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.

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā58rank/position

Sambomaster / We’ve Gotta Do the Impossible MUSIC VIDEO

Isn’t youth a series of constant challenges? Sambomaster’s “Dekikkonai wo Yaranakucha” is a song that cheers on those who are giving it their all.

Released in February 2010, it was written as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial and was later chosen as the image song for the drama “Cheer☆Dan.” Alongside the powerful message in the lyrics—“Don’t give up; keep going”—their characteristically straightforward rock sound and raw, passionate vocals are sure to resonate with many.

It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to with your friends when facing difficulties in club activities, studying, or preparing for the school festival.

At your school or cultural festival, try performing it as a band and get the whole venue singing along.

Unrequited lovemiwa59rank/position

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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LeoYuuri60rank/position

Yuuri 'Leo' Official Music Video

It’s a tear-jerking song told from a dog’s perspective, portraying its bond with its owner and the course of its life.

The track is by singer-songwriter Yuuri, known for the smash hit “Dry Flower,” and is included on the acclaimed album “Ichi,” released in January 2022.

This song tells a bittersweet yet heartwarming story that makes you realize how the ordinary days with an owner were irreplaceable treasures.

The regret and gratitude one feels when the “ordinary” is no longer ordinary seep deeply into listeners’ hearts through Yuuri’s emotionally rich vocals.

The music video, directed by Mai Sakai, also drew attention, with its moving story resonating with many.

It’s a piece not only for pet owners but for anyone who wants to reaffirm the value of someone precious.

AitaiKato Miria61rank/position

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN62rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

We areONE OK ROCK63rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.