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Ranking of Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026]
What kind of music do you all like?
There are many types—fun songs, refreshing songs, and more—but I think many people also like “heart-wrenching” songs.
Among those bittersweet songs, here are recommended tracks sung by male vocalists, presented in a ranking format.
This list is updated regularly, so check back from time to time.
Top 10 Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026] (1–10)
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku1rank/position
On an autumn night when the season’s presence deepens, have you ever found yourself stirred by a faint sweet scent that awakens old memories? Many people may have experienced a gentle recollection surfacing when they catch the fragrance of fragrant olive on a street corner.
This song by Kinoko Teikoku is a track from their album “Time Lapse,” released in September 2018.
The transparent vocals woven by Chiaki Sato and the nostalgic, emotional melody sink deeply into the heart.
On a quiet night spent alone, why not immerse yourself completely as you reminisce about a past love?
Our FailureMorita Doji2rank/position
Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.
Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.
Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.
Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.
Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi3rank/position
It’s a gem of a love song overflowing with bittersweet longing, about searching the city for the irreplaceable person you can no longer meet.
It’s one of singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature songs, released in January 1997 as his fourth single and a long-running hit.
It became a hit as the theme song for the film The Moon and a Cabbage, in which Yamazaki himself starred, and years later it was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film 5 Centimeters per Second.
The delicate tones of the acoustic guitar and Yamazaki’s emotionally rich vocals quietly sink in.
Even knowing the love won’t come true, you can’t help but hope for a miracle…
This song gently stays close to that wavering heart.
It’s one of those J-pop masterpieces that we want to be passed down forever—something we especially want people bearing the pain of unrequited love to hear.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku4rank/position
This song, which portrays the bittersweet end of youth, is beloved by many as one of Fujifabric’s signature tracks.
Through the image of fireworks at summer’s end, it sings of parting from a past lover and the mingled hope and anxiety for the future, skillfully capturing the complex emotions of young people.
Released in 2007, it has also been featured as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “SUMMER NUDE” and as a CM song for LINE Mobile, making it popular across generations.
It’s a perfect choice for Instagram Reels if you want to express memories of youth or poignant moments in love.
Give it a try!
Flywayhalyosy5rank/position
Halyosy is a Vocaloid producer who is also active as a vocalist.
The song he wrote for the in-game music unit Leo/need is “Flyway.” Sung by Kagamine Len and KAITO, it features lyrics that feel like the two are reaffirming their deep bond.
It also carries the message that no matter how far apart you are, that bond doesn’t change.
For those living away from family or a partner, it may truly resonate.
Cats and Allergieskinoko teikoku6rank/position
The song that gently accompanies the aching feeling of not being able to see someone you love is “Neko to Arerugī” (Cat and Allergy).
It’s a track included on the album of the same name released by the four-piece rock band Kinoko Teikoku.
The lyrics poignantly compare the singer to a cat and their beloved to someone with allergies.
Chiaki Sato’s delicate vocals add layers of nuance, making it more than just a sad ballad.
It’s recommended for anyone seeking a ballad that carries more than simple sorrow.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki7rank/position
This is one of Masaki Suda’s signature songs, written, composed, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
It’s a heartwarming track with an encouraging message: life isn’t always about having the right answers—its value lies in all the mistakes we make.
It carefully portrays a shift from self-denial to self-acceptance through meeting someone important, making it highly relatable.
Released in May 2019, the song was chosen as the theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Perfect World” and is also included on the album “LOVE.” It’s perfect for times when you want to reflect on yourself or belt out your feelings at karaoke—singing it at full volume can leave you feeling refreshed.