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

Because it’s important…kerakera50rank/position

[Best Unrequited Love Song] Kerakera – “Because It’s Precious…” [Official Video]

Kerakera became widely known to the public with “Starlaboration,” which was chosen as the theme song for the drama Last Cinderella.

During their indie days, they released this unrequited-love song, “Taisetsu dakara… (Because You’re Important…).” Without confessing their feelings, they try to keep the same distance as before by staying close as a friend.

The lyrics, which portray a heartbreakingly bittersweet love, resonated with listeners and drew a lot of attention.

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sasashina

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paper airplaneKobukuro51rank/position

Kobukuro – Paper Airplane

“Paper Airplane” is Kobukuro’s 22nd single, released in 2012.

It compares love to a paper airplane: it’s meaningless if you don’t let it fly, and if you do, it might reach the other person… though it can fail, too.

Perhaps love and paper airplanes are quite similar.

meteorKobukuro52rank/position

Kobukuro – Ryūsei (Meteor)

The theme song of the drama “Nagareboshi,” in which Yutaka Takenouchi and Aya Ueto enter a contract marriage.

Both the title of the song and its lyrics were inspired by the drama.

The feelings of the two, scattered like stardust, race through the dark night, believing they will one day be connected.

It’s such a beautiful romantic metaphor that you can’t help but say, “How lovely.” May your own love come true as you make a wish on this song.

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SAKI

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Blue and gentleKobukuro53rank/position

Kobukuro – Blue and Gentle

It’s the theme song for the 2007 drama “Dream☆Again.” It’s striking that the title uses the kanji 蒼 for “ao” (blue).

The song seems to portray someone struggling as they consider giving up on their dream.

Fulfilling a dream is fun, but it can also be very tough.

When you stumble badly, you might feel like you can’t get back up—but the song teaches that it’s important not to give up.

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en

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Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā54rank/position

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

It was released in 2009 as Golden Bomber’s seventh single.

A parody version titled “Nemutakute” was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Mega Shaki,” and it became explosively popular in karaoke.

As one of Golden Bomber’s signature songs, it was performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015.

Slow motionSakanakushon55rank/position

Sakanaction “Slow Motion” -Music Video-

That retro yet futuristic vibe is so them.

It’s a work by the band Sakanaction, who have produced numerous hits like “Shin-Takarajima,” included on their fourth single “Rookie,” released in 2011.

The cool sound arrangement, infused with elements of funk music, is irresistible.

When you feel the loneliness of a cold season, this song might just save you.

Be sure to turn the volume up and give it a listen.

Let yourself be swept away by the whirlpool of sound.

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Araki Jakkan

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Crescent Moon SunsetSakanakushon56rank/position

Sakanaction / Crescent Moon Sunset -Music Video-

I felt that it’s a song with very heartrending lyrics and a melody that sounds terribly heartrending, one that conveys nothing but pure sorrow.