Ranking of Moving/Japanese Pop Songs [2026]

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number22rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Known for tear-jerking songs and being the best at singing about bittersweet love, back number’s “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” From the title you might think it’s a birthday song, but it’s not sung to someone else—it’s sung to oneself.

It’s a song overflowing with the feelings of wanting, or having wanted, to be celebrated by the person you like; an unfulfilled love; and a one-sided affection for that special someone.

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LemonYonezu Kenshi23rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

This song gives voice to a profound sense of loss for someone irreplaceable, while holding on to feelings that refuse to fade.

Released by Kenshi Yonezu in March 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Unnatural.” The lyrics reflect Yonezu’s own experience of losing his grandfather during production.

The music video, filmed in a church, surpassed one million views just 13 hours after release and went on to exceed 900 million views—a record-breaking hit.

Its heartfelt melody and delicate lyrics gently accompany the pain of loss that everyone carries.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to look back on memories of someone dear, or spend a quiet night facing the past.

whiteoutreGretGirl24rank/position

reGretGirl "Whiteout" Official Music Video

reGretGirl is popular for their heart-achingly bittersweet vocals and lyrics that make your heart skip a beat.

Their song “Whiteout” is sprinkled with those swoon-worthy moments throughout.

You can also feel a modern vibe in various parts of the lyrics.

Since it’s sung by a man, it might come across as a bit clingy, but even from a female perspective there are many “so true” moments.

A moving song brimming with bittersweet emotion.

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Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu25rank/position

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

Yuzu’s “Tomodachi: Tabidachi no Toki” is also very popular as a graduation song.

Released in 2013 as a limited-time single, it was chosen as the required piece for the middle school division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The song expresses the sentiment that even if we part ways from here on, we will always remain friends bound by a strong bond.

Try singing it together when graduation approaches or when a friend is transferring to another school.

Parting is painful, but if you can feel the bond of friendship depicted in this song, that sadness will be eased.

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Maplesupittsu26rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

Spitz’s classic “Kaede” is a song you can’t help but crave when the season of partings arrives.

Released in 1998 as a single from the album “Fake Fur,” it has recently drawn attention as an insert song in the drama “silent.” The lyrics, which portray the resolve to walk on alone while holding tight to feelings for a cherished person you’ve parted from, really sink into the heart.

Masamune Kusano’s gentle vocals will wrap you in the bittersweet emotions felt for lovers or friends who drift apart at graduation.

It’s not only about the sadness of goodbye; the figure of someone moving toward the future with the warm memories given by the other person will surely give you courage.

It’s a song that will softly nudge you forward onto a new path—one to listen to carefully around graduation.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism27rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

A heartbreak song that gently holds close all those tormented by unrequited love—painful yet beautiful.

It portrays the bittersweet emotion of stepping back after realizing you’re not worthy, even while loving the other person deeply.

Your heart tightens at the image of someone sincerely wishing for the other’s happiness while tucking their own feelings away.

Released as a single by Official HIGE DANDism in May 2019, it was used as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP and became a massive hit that broke numerous records.

Give it a listen when you’re facing the harsh reality that love, no matter how strong, sometimes isn’t returned and you feel on the verge of breaking.

The beautifully resonant piano melody and gentle vocals will softly embrace your sorrow and give you the courage to look ahead.

Endless JourneyMr.Children28rank/position

Endless Journey / Mr.Children (Cover)

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.