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

I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi64rank/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 565rank/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 Kyanberu66rank/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 Shōta67rank/position

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

We swore to love each other forever, yet now I’m all alone.

Even in this aching situation, I can’t let go of my gratitude and tender feelings for you.

This work, which sent shockwaves through the J-POP scene, is a masterpiece that portrays memories that keep shining even after a breakup, and a strong bond that can’t be cut.

Released as a single in May 2009 and also included on the album “Ring,” this song marked the beginning of the MiliShow era—a collaboration between Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

On lonely nights, I put on a brave face, but deep down I just want to cry.

Listening to it in moments like that can help you regain your honest feelings.

It’s a song for anyone who wishes they could start over.

Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi68rank/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.

Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki69rank/position

Farewell, my lover

Masakazu Sakai’s “Saraba Koibito” (“Farewell, My Love”) is a breakup song that beautifully captures the sorrow of parting.

The lyrics depict the regret of overlooking everyday happiness and realizing it only afterward.

Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful melody and Osamu Kitayama’s delicate lyrics blend perfectly, while Masakazu Sakai’s expressive vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in 1971, this song has remained beloved as a classic covered by many artists.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to reminisce about past romances or when you’re trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.

Older listeners, too, are sure to enjoy it along with memories of their youth.

JuggernautNatsushiro Takaaki70rank/position

Juggernaut / Takaaki Natsushiro MV

This is a song by Vocaloid producer Takaaki Natsushiro, who is active in a wide range of fields, including launching a fashion brand alongside his music career.

Released in 2019, it became a hot topic and is now one of his signature tracks.

The lyrics bare the inner self that has grown through various experiences—aching yet passionate.

The chorus has an exhilarating drive that will have you hitting repeat.

If you like that kind of guitar rock, definitely give it a listen.

By the way, the video features a version sung by Takaaki Natsushiro himself.

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