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

Stop the night once moreSakiya Kenjirō78rank/position

Kenjiro Sakiya / Stop the Night Once More [Official Video]

This is a commercial for Lighthouse, known for its appealing simple, traditional design, which had been on sale since 1986.

The scene where a woman extends her arm wearing a Lighthouse watch out of a car window to call out to a man is especially striking, isn’t it? The BGM in this commercial is Kenjiro Sakiya’s 1987 song “Mou Ichido Yoru o Tomete” (“Stop the Night Once More”).

Its lyrics, poignantly depicting a couple drifting apart against their true feelings, captured the hearts of many listeners.

After being featured in this commercial, the song went on to be used as a theme and insert song in numerous dramas and films.

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Hane Keisuke

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homeKiyama Yusaku79rank/position

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

Yusaku Kiyama’s “HOME” is an achingly sad yet heartwarming song.

Any father with a wife and children who listens to it will surely be moved to tears.

That’s how powerfully it conveys the preciousness of family and the longing to be with them.

A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu80rank/position

Long Night - Chiharu Matsuyama

Chiharu Matsuyama’s song “Nagai Yoru” might be a particularly nostalgic unrequited-love song for older listeners.

It’s incredibly heartrending, and both the lyrics and melody are wonderful.

Be sure to listen to it alone at night—it’s a song that pierces deeply into the heart.

A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke81rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – A Letter to You (Full ver.)

This is Keisuke Kuwata’s 17th single.

It was selected as the theme song for the film “Gold Medal Man” starring Teruyoshi Uchimura.

Although it’s a wistful ballad, it has that quintessential Kuwata touch, gently encouraging you about life and your past self.

It’s perfect for the colder seasons, like autumn and winter.

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sasashina

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Sad feelingsKuwata Keisuke82rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

This is the solo debut single by Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.

At first listen it has a bright, breezy sound, but beneath that lies the inescapable loneliness of a man heartbroken in love.

The contrast between the cheerful tone and the heartrending lyrics may, if anything, tighten many listeners’ chests.

Released in October 1987, it was later included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata.” Please take your time and give it a careful listen.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke83rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

A bittersweet summer song by Kuwata from Southern All Stars, whom everyone loves.

The analog vinyl reportedly comes with a special swimsuit as a bonus—such a playful touch, so very Kuwata.

The gentle lyrics, which put summer and the sea front and center, make you want to listen again and again: “Even after heartbreak, when summer approaches, you still end up wanting to fall in love.” It’s as if we’ve been put under the “Kuwata magic”! You can almost hear him whispering, “Just as the same wave never comes to a surfer, the same love never comes to anyone either,” right in your ear.

It’s a song with a hint of melancholy, even though you’re not heartbroken at all.

After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke84rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – After the Festival (Short ver.)

Keisuke Kuwata, the superstar of Japan’s music scene who leads Southern All Stars.

This song is a single he released as a solo artist in 1994.

It also became his first solo work to be used as the theme song for a TV drama.

The presence of words in the lyrics that evoke autumn indicates that the setting is after the summer—after the festivals have ended.