Ranking of Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026]

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu64rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

A gem of a love song delivered with a breezy melody that seems to float through the air and a voice brimming with vitality.

It weaves the wavering feelings unique to youth—where anxiety and expectation mingle—into a warm sound that gently embraces the heart.

Spitz’s eighth single, released in April 1994 and included on the album “How to Fly in the Sky,” later drew major attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the 1996 drama “Hakusen Nagashi.” Tenderly sung with poetic expression, capturing pure love and aching longing, this piece deeply resonates with young people struggling with romance and continues to shine just as brightly today.

When you want to connect heart-to-heart with someone special, this song will gently give you a push.

Beautiful finsupittsu65rank/position

Spitz / Beautiful Fin

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, this track is a clear, translucent work themed around an oceanic worldview.

Through the symbolic expression “beautiful fins” depicted by Masamune Kusano’s delicate vocals, a profound world emerges where fragility and hope intersect.

As Spitz’s first tie-in with the Conan series, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has been beloved by many fans.

It’s recommended for seaside drives in summer or for quiet nights when you want to calm your mind.

I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi66rank/position

Naoto Inti Raymi – I Won’t Forget You As You Are Now [With Lyrics]

It was released in 2011 as Naoto Inti Raymi’s fourth single.

The song, featuring actress Keiko Kitagawa, was used as the theme for the Sony Ericsson “Cyber-shot Phone S006” commercial.

The lyrics and music were written by Naoto Inti Raymi, and it’s said that when composing the song, he placed a photo of Keiko Kitagawa from the commercial on his piano’s music stand for inspiration.

Love Dial 6700Fingā 567rank/position

Finger Five - Love's Dial 6700

A signature song by Finger 5, featuring a catchy melody that begins with a telephone ring and a bright, poppy ensemble.

Released in December 1973, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.

It was also used as insert music in Ultraman Taro and Dokonjo Gaeru, and remains beloved by many.

The lyrics, expressing a boy’s pure feelings as he tries to confess his love before graduation, beautifully capture the excitement and bittersweetness of young romance.

It’s a recommended track not only for those who’ve experienced unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to remember the innocence of first love.

LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu with Naomi Kyanberu68rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – LA • LA • LA LOVE SONG

A classic song that passionately conveys the sweetness and ache of love was born from the collaboration between Toshinobu Kubota and Naomi Campbell.

With its comfortable groove and emotional vocals, it’s a track that makes you want to sing your heart out at karaoke.

Released in May 1996, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation.” The lyrics, which capture the sweet feelings and bittersweet longing of falling in love, invite everyone into a heart-fluttering moment.

It’s a gem of a love song—perfect for reminiscing about youthful romance or for sharing a special time with someone dear.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta69rank/position

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

When it comes to heart-wrenching songs, you can’t leave out “Love Forever”! It’s a love song that defined the era of ringtone downloads, a popular duet by the golden duo Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

For those who remember that time, it’s nostalgic, and some may have discovered it through the cover by Eito and yama.

The chorus melody is unbelievably beautiful—just the best—and the aching sadness squeezes your heart.

In the latter half, the highlight where their harmonies blend is incredibly moving.

Even on days when nothing goes right and you can’t see the future, meeting someone you truly love can change your world—that’s the wonder this song conveys.

With lyrics full of those feelings, it’s a masterpiece that stirs both the sorrow of an ending and deep gratitude for someone precious.

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Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi70rank/position

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – From Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2022

A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses Eastern and Western musical elements, this film score was created by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1983 and won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.

Its graceful pentatonic melody is interwoven with the delicate timbres of synthesizer and glass harp, bringing a gentle sense of expansiveness to the heart.

Re-arranged as a solo piano album titled “Coda,” the work also received high acclaim worldwide as the soundtrack to the film “Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence.” Cherished by many artists, including Hikaru Utada and Sarah Brightman, this gem continues to offer profound emotion—an ideal, soothing background for quiet nights or moments when you wish to calm your mind.