Ranking of Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026]
What kind of music do you all like?
There are many types—fun songs, refreshing songs, and more—but I think many people also like “heart-wrenching” songs.
Among those bittersweet songs, here are recommended tracks sung by male vocalists, presented in a ranking format.
This list is updated regularly, so check back from time to time.
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Top Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers: Popular Ranking [2026] (41–50)
MELROSE ~A Promise Not to Love~EXILE ATSUSHI41rank/position
A ballad that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man and a woman drawn to each other despite a promise not to fall in love.
The wavering heart caught between reason and emotion pairs beautifully with EXILE ATSUSHI’s deeply expressive vocals.
Released in December 2012 as his third solo single, the song is included on albums such as Music and Love Ballade.
It was also featured as the ending theme for NTV’s Sukkiri!!, garnering widespread attention.
This is a track that resonates deeply with those who relate to the complexities of adult romance or who are striving to move forward while carrying a sense of longing.
Love LetterGACKT42rank/position
This song, based on acoustic guitar and strings, is GACKT’s heartfelt expression of gratitude to his fans.
Produced in February 2005 as the title track of the album “Love Letter” and later released as a single in March 2006, it was chosen as the ending theme for the animated film Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam III: A New Translation – Love is the Pulse of the Stars.
The gentle vocals and delicate composition blend together, while the lyrics tenderly weave feelings of love for someone precious, leaving a deep impression.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to reflect on your feelings for those close to you—not only lovers, but also family and friends.
everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA43rank/position
A healing summer song by KREVA released in 2005.
It’s so comfortable you can’t stop hitting repeat.
The lyrics mention being far from perfect, but just listening puts you in a resort mood.
It’s very easy to sing, so it’s great for karaoke too! The song is about two people who care about each other and want to enjoy the summer, but end up lazing around anyway.
Extraordinary, out-of-the-ordinary experiences are a lot of fun, but maybe just spending time slowly with someone you love is enough to make you happy.
It’s a KREVA-style, love-filled track.
Baby, I love youTEE44rank/position
This song is one of TEE’s signature tracks, written from a man’s perspective about his bittersweet feelings for a woman he loves.
Many listeners can probably relate to the frustration of an unrequited love that seeps through the masculine, slightly rough lyrics.
There’s also a cover version by the singer Che’Nelle, which is quite popular as well.
All My Homies [Prod. BACHLOGIC / Dir. Himatsu]ZORN45rank/position
![All My Homies [Prod. BACHLOGIC / Dir. Himatsu]ZORN](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IyMjsbSxl2U/sddefault.jpg)
A song steeped in darkness that opens with an emotional guitar intro.
It sings about the hardship of living in modern society.
As you try to make it in a big city, the people around you keep changing with time.
The message is, “We’re all living without any real answers, and each of our battles never ends.” It’s dark and heavy, but if you’re over 30 and going through a rough time, listening to it can give you a bit of encouragement.
Goodbyekariyushi 5846rank/position
The chorus is very memorable, and I think many people have heard it.
The simple, straightforward lyrics gently sink into your heart.
Shingo Maekawa’s expansive vocals also seem to loosen a hardened heart.
It’s a song that leaves you feeling both wistful and warm.
Nanakariyushi 5847rank/position
“Nana” isn’t a proper noun; it’s said to mean “Me-Me,” representing your own name and the name of someone dear to you.
The lyrics are simple, and the song feels heartwarming, making you think that having this kind of ordinary happiness last is the best.
It’s also one of the popular songs by Kariyushi.
Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku48rank/position
A song with a wistful sound that grips your heart right from the intro, sprinkled with words here and there that bring back that day and leave you feeling bittersweet.
The gentle melody pairs with Chiaki Sato’s voice, which is so delicate and beautiful.
That line is the horizon.kururi49rank/position
Quruli is a musical unit renowned for singing with a distinctive worldview.
They produce a sound powerful enough not to be overshadowed even when performing with an orchestra.
Their song “Sono Sen wa Suiheisen” is an unrequited love song that carries their uniquely expansive sense of scale.
rose flowerkururi50rank/position
They made their major debut in 1998.
This is their seventh single, released in 2001.
It was used as an insert song for the TBS drama Orange Days.
With Miki Furukawa of SUPERCAR contributing chorus, it truly stands as a quintessential youth anthem of the 2000s.
Incidentally, in 2003 they handled the soundtrack for the film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, another masterpiece that captures the raw edge of youth.
Dedicated to troubled young people.