Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]

It’s fine for now.MIMI1rank/position

"It's fine for now." / feat. KAFU

A ballad whose beautiful, heartrending melody and striking piano sound gently stay by your side.

Wrapped in a warm, tender tune, it sings as if offering a quiet hand to someone weary of putting on a brave face.

There are nights when we can’t sleep, unable to accept our failures, setbacks, or our own frailty.

This song encourages you to keep moving forward at your own pace, embracing even past tears as cherished memories.

Released as a single in December 2022, it is also included on the album “When I Embrace the Night.” out in March 2025.

It’s a song to listen to softly when you’re hurting or feel like you’re trying too hard on your own.

Happinessback number2rank/position

Shiawase

Back number, known for lyrics and melodies that ache and tighten the chest, has won wide support.

This work is the B-side track included on their major-label debut single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011.

It was later included on the album “Superstar,” released in October of the same year, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a hidden gem.

Realizing that the person you love is thinking of someone other than you, yet being able to stay by their side only by wishing for their happiness—these painfully selfless feelings and inner conflicts are depicted in the lyrics, piercing listeners’ hearts.

The beautiful arrangement incorporating strings further stirs the emotions.

For those suffering from unrequited love or who have once prayed for a loved one’s happiness from afar, this is a song that will bring you to tears.

fishback number3rank/position

back number – fish (full)

This is a heartbreak song that portrays the poignant feelings for a love that will never return, hidden deep within the heart.

Amid an urban sound, the vocals brim with power, as if emotions are overflowing, and that contrast heightens the sentiment.

Released in February 2014, this track is the band’s ninth single and is also included on their fourth album, “Love Story.” Listening to this piece, which depicts the cruel reality faced by the female protagonist, will bring tears to women suffering from heartbreak as their emotions spill over.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who has someone they just can’t forget.

Because I fell in loveaimyon4rank/position

Aimyon “Because I Fell in Love” Studio Recording Scene

It’s a work that feels like it’s sitting beside you, speaking to you gently when you can’t help but cry and cry.

It’s a song by the singer-songwriter Aimyon, also known for hits like “Marigold” and “Naked Heart,” and it’s included on her second album, Momentary Sixth Sense, released in 2019.

This ballad features the tender tones of an acoustic guitar, and Aimyon’s vocals leave a warm impression.

As you listen with your eyes closed, you may find tears naturally streaming down your face.

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Araki Jakkan

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Happy Endingback number5rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

This work was released in 2016 as the 16th single by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma.

It was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” While the title might seem contradictory because the lyrics portray the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist trying to accept a breakup, in English it can carry the nuance of “a happy time coming to an end,” which deepens the meaning of the words.

Even as the singer tells themselves it’s going to be okay, they can’t sever their feelings for the other person deep down, and that inner conflict comes through almost painfully.

The majestic strings layered over the band sound are also beautiful, and just following the melody can bring you to tears.

Anyone who has experienced a breakup may find their emotions from that time coming back as they listen.

NAOHY6rank/position

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.

The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.

Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.

It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.

Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.

If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?

CHARMWANIMA7rank/position

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A song by WANIMA characterized by a powerful punk-rock sound and an uplifting message.

Included on their major-label first album “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018, it was also used in commercials for Kikkoman and “Juken ni in Jelly.” The lyrics convey a sense of connection that transcends the bond and distance between the band and their fans.

Teaching the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to have the courage to move forward even in difficult times, this track is recommended for those who want to reaffirm friendship and bonds.