Ranking of Moving/Japanese Pop Songs [2026]
We’re excited to present the latest Top 100 ranking of the most-viewed Japanese emotional songs, all in one go!
Whether it’s the performance or the lyrics, there are many elements that can move us, but with Japanese music, the message in the lyrics often comes through very directly.
Sometimes it’s okay to let a touching song bring you to tears.
The playlist is updated weekly.
- Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Male J-Pop Singers’ Best-Lyric and Most Popular Songs [2026]
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- MISIA’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- AI’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]
- HY’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
Most Moving Japanese Songs Ranking [2026] (31–40)
The Disappearance of Hatsune MikucosMo@bousou P31rank/position
An essential work when discussing the early Vocaloid scene is “The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku.” Created in 2008 by cosMo@Bousou-P, a Vocaloid producer also known for contributing tracks to games and composing instrumental pieces, it’s a high-tempo song that makes full use of Hatsune Miku’s mechanical singing style.
The result is a rhythmic sound with catchy synth tones ringing throughout.
You may even be moved to tears by her rapid-fire delivery of emotional lyrics that depict the “feelings of a Vocaloid.” Why not give this masterpiece a listen—packed with the quintessential Vocaloid essence and notoriously difficult for humans to sing or perform?
OrangeTōma32rank/position
Vocaloid producer tohma is known for his artistic, auteur-like style.
With highly narrative songs like “The Skeleton Orchestra and Lilia,” he delivers stories to his listeners.
Among his works, the one that truly shakes the heart is “Orange,” produced in 2012.
Its warm, band-driven sound stands out, and the human-like singing of Hatsune Miku is deeply moving.
The track has an orthodox J-pop feel, making it a great recommendation for Vocaloid beginners as well.
Give this emotional number a listen—a farewell to the days spent with a lover or someone you once loved.
horizonback number33rank/position
A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.
Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.
Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.
Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.
It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.
budKobukuro34rank/position
A signature ballad by Kobukuro whose lyrics, depicting both longing for what’s lost and hope for the future, strike a deep chord.
Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his mother, who passed away when he was 18, it was released as a single in March 2007.
Loved by many as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” it also won the Japan Record Award that same year.
In March 2008, it was used as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The image of enduring a harsh winter while preparing to bloom overlaps with the players single-mindedly chasing the white ball.
It’s a song for those pursuing their dreams and for anyone who needs courage during seasons of farewells and new beginnings.
BouquetMIMI35rank/position
Isn’t it wonderful to have someone who supports you when you’re struggling or feeling sad? That’s the message woven into “Hanataba.” This piece was created by Vocaloid producer MIMI.
Centering on the sound of the piano, it’s crafted with a pop-jazz vibe.
It also features a rap-like section partway through, and its bright tone is uplifting for listeners.
As you listen, you’ll be reminded of the people who matter to you and feel inspired to express your gratitude anew.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE36rank/position
Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.
Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK37rank/position
The straightforward words of love make my heart swell.
It’s a song by the globally popular rock band ONE OK ROCK, included on their album “Niche Syndrome,” released in June 2010.
Taka’s emotional vocals powerfully convey a resolve to bring a smile to the other person no matter where they are, and a deep love that promises to walk together for life.
In 2016, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, gaining widespread attention.
It also remains a steadfast favorite as music played at weddings, ranking first in usage in 2017.
Give it a listen when you want to deepen your bond with your partner or immerse yourself in heartfelt emotion.
Karakuri Pierrot40mP38rank/position
The Vocaloid song I want you to listen to when heartbreak makes your chest tighten is “Karakuri Pierrot.” Created by 40mP—a Vocaloid producer who also works as a singer-songwriter—it was released in 2011 and is known as one of his signature tracks.
Its catchy band sound is notable for its jazzy tones.
The melody is beautiful yet fragile, perfectly suited to Hatsune Miku’s heartbreakingly emotional vocals.
Among “emo” Vocaloid songs, this is a number I recommend to those who want to have a good cry and feel refreshed.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru39rank/position
This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.
It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.
Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.
It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.
It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.
This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.
planetariumOtsuka Ai40rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.
Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.