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

dearestFukuyama Masaharu92rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

This is a ballad about parting with someone precious.

Released under KOH+, the duo of Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki, it was later self-covered by Fukuyama.

The song portrays a pure and heartrending love in which one sacrifices oneself to protect a beloved.

Released in October 2008, it gained attention as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X.” It was also used in a commercial for Toshiba’s REGZA LCD TVs.

This is a recommended track for those grieving the loss of someone dear or those who wish to give everything for the one they love.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu93rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

This is the 15th single by Masaharu Fukuyama, a singer-songwriter who continues to showcase his talents not only as a top-tier actor but also as a radio DJ and photographer.

The single achieved the last double million in the 20th century according to Oricon’s tally and is widely known as one of Fukuyama’s signature songs.

The poignant lyrics, themed around his own heartbreak, are something anyone who has experienced parting with an irreplaceable person will likely see themselves in.

With its sexy low-register vocals and lyrical melody that tugs at the heartstrings, it’s a classic “sakura song” from the 2000s onward.

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Hoshino Takashi

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fireflyFukuyama Masaharu94rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Hotaru (Full ver.)

A gentle yet powerful ballad, this piece resonates with the heart through Masaharu Fukuyama’s soft and passionate vocals.

Like fireflies faintly glowing on a summer evening, it depicts the fleeting passage of time and bittersweet feelings for someone dear, reminding us of the importance of living fully within our limited time and loving someone deeply.

Released in August 2010 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 26th single, it was also selected as the theme song for the NTV drama “Mioka: The Days You Were Here.” When you’re longing for something to accompany the loneliness and sentimentality felt at the end of summer, listening to this song will wrap you in warmth.

Wish feat. YU-A (Foxxi misQ)Dōji-T95rank/position

Douji-T – Wish feat. YU-A (Foxxi misQ)

Dohzi-T, who was active as a member of the hip-hop group ZINGI and later established a rap-plus-singer style in his solo career.

“Negai” is a hit track that, featuring YU-A before her solo debut, surpassed 1.1 million ringtone downloads.

It brings back memories, doesn’t it? Its appeal lies in a sentimental, heart-wrenching melody that vividly rises to the surface the moment you hear it.

The lyrics follow a concrete story, and I think they resonate not only with people in love but even more deeply with those who share similar circumstances.

Regrets about not being able to be honest and memories of happier times come flooding back, making you think, “I want to go back…”—and maybe even cry.

Among ‘setsuna-kei’ songs, this is a standout masterpiece overflowing with poignant sadness.

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KEI

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with youAyaka × Kobukuro96rank/position

Kobukuro – You (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

Anata to (You and I) is a collaboration between singer-songwriter Ayaka and the duo Kobukuro.

Released in 2008, it’s the second single by Ayaka×Kobukuro.

The lyrics beautifully capture the interplay of feelings between two people who care for each other, showcasing the remarkable talent and expressive power of both artists in this love song.

It’s a number I especially recommend to couples who may be going through small arguments or a bit of friction in their daily lives; by listening to this song, you may rediscover your genuine feelings for each other and honestly reaffirm, “I love you.”

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utatane

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Gazing at the starsSuda Masaki97rank/position

Masaki Suda “Gazing at the Stars”

Masaki Suda, who shines in multiple fields as an actor and singer, released “Hoshi o Aogu” in 2021.

Over a beautiful melody where strings and piano intertwine, his emotional vocals resonate.

The song portrays a love story of two people who have overcome various hardships, evoking an image of them talking under the night sky.

Many will relate to the feeling of being in love yet unable to confess it.

It’s a winter ballad with a grand sound that perfectly matches a star-filled landscape.

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mutō

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My Baby ~The More I Fall in Love, The More~Zushi Sankyōdai98rank/position

Zushi Three Brothers / My Baby ~The More I Fall in Love, the More~

“My Baby ~The More I Love You~” is a song by Zushi Sankyoudai, a vocal group from Zushi City, Kanagawa.

It’s like a love letter, filled with favorite moments shared with his girlfriend and the man’s single-minded devotion.

The music video is composed of photos of couples selected from public submissions, and just watching it warms your heart.

If you’re looking for a song to give your girlfriend on White Day, why not choose this one? I think many women will be delighted by how the love deepens as the song goes on!

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sasashina

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