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

Donut holehachi8rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole, HACHI – DONUT HOLE

This is a Vocaloid song produced by Hachi, posted in 2013.

Hachi is Kenshi Yonezu’s producer name for his Vocaloid works, and if you listen closely, you can sense Yonezu’s signature style even in his songs from that time.

The track is upbeat and catchy, yet somehow bittersweet…

Please give it a listen—and try singing it, too.

Maplesupittsu9rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

A ballad that sings of the resolve to live on with the pain of parting.

Those warm days when even casual exchanges with a loved one—and the ache in your heart—were all wrapped in their smile.

Yet even as the protagonist accepts a daily life that will never return, the way they move forward as if embracing a voice is deeply moving.

After being included on the album “Fake Fur,” it was released in July 1998 as a double A-side single with “Spica.” It has been used in numerous dramas, including as an insert song for Fuji TV’s “Over Time” and in NTV’s “Zambi.” It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone who can’t stop dwelling on a lost love or who can’t forget someone dear.

Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals deliver a ray of hope within the sorrow.

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy10rank/position

halyosy – Sakura no Ame feat. Hatsune Miku

This song became a hot topic as a VOCALOID graduation anthem.

Created by halyosy, a popular Vocaloid producer who’s also active as a vocalist, it was released in 2008.

The theme is an “if” story: what if Hatsune Miku actually went to school and was about to graduate? Just reading the lyrics, which bring back one school memory after another, is enough to make your eyes well up.

The cathartic chorus really hits home, too.

I bet some of you even sang it at your own graduation ceremonies.

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Araki Jakkan

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Unrequited love.haji→11rank/position

Haji→ – “Unrequited Love.” MV

This is a song about an unrequited love, overflowing with a sense of longing.

When you contrast the exciting memories with your current feelings, the ache only deepens.

Haj→’s powerful vocals intensify the emotion of love.

The final line, which candidly speaks for those experiencing an unrequited love, is truly moving.

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gummy

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futureKobukuro12rank/position

Kobukuro “Mirai” Comics “orange” ver.

A very heartrending ballad about continuing to hide your feelings so you can go on liking someone.

It’s a song by Kobukuro that became the theme for the film “orange.” If confessing your love doesn’t lead to mutual feelings, you’ll have to give up… In that case, it’s better to stay in unrequited love.

The protagonist of this song may find it harder to bear being unable to stay by that person’s side than the pain of unrequited love.

If you remain friends, you can always be by their side as a friend… It’s a bittersweet love song that conveys a strong will and the depth of love.

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sasashina

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rainbowSuda Masaki13rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

Masaki Suda, who is active both as an actor and a singer, released “Niji” in 2020.

The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Huey Ishizaki.

Carried by the interwoven tones of acoustic guitar and strings, his gentle singing voice resonates.

Its message, depicting the bond with a partner who shares one’s life, will touch your heart.

It has been used in many TikTok videos featuring everyday moments with loved ones, family scenes, and beautiful landscapes.

Give it a listen while thinking of someone you want to cherish forever.

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mutō

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budKobukuro14rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

This work was created against the backdrop of Kentaro Kobuchi’s feelings for his mother, whom he lost in his teens.

It portrays a sense of loss for what is gone and a powerful message about moving forward and overcoming it.

Gratitude and longing for his late mother are sure to strike a deep chord with listeners.

Released in March 2007 as Kobukuro’s 14th single, the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” which depicts the bond between parent and child.

Its gentle vocals will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to take a step forward.