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

Our FailureMorita Doji1rank/position

Bokutachino Shippai

Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.

Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.

Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.

Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.

Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku2rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This song, which portrays the bittersweet end of youth, is beloved by many as one of Fujifabric’s signature tracks.

Through the image of fireworks at summer’s end, it sings of parting from a past lover and the mingled hope and anxiety for the future, skillfully capturing the complex emotions of young people.

Released in 2007, it has also been featured as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “SUMMER NUDE” and as a CM song for LINE Mobile, making it popular across generations.

It’s a perfect choice for Instagram Reels if you want to express memories of youth or poignant moments in love.

Give it a try!

Flywayhalyosy3rank/position

halyosy – Flyway ft. Kagamine Len, KAITO [Official Video]

Halyosy is a Vocaloid producer who is also active as a vocalist.

The song he wrote for the in-game music unit Leo/need is “Flyway.” Sung by Kagamine Len and KAITO, it features lyrics that feel like the two are reaffirming their deep bond.

It also carries the message that no matter how far apart you are, that bond doesn’t change.

For those living away from family or a partner, it may truly resonate.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Cats and Allergieskinoko teikoku4rank/position

Kinoko Teikoku – Cats and Allergies

The song that gently accompanies the aching feeling of not being able to see someone you love is “Neko to Arerugī” (Cat and Allergy).

It’s a track included on the album of the same name released by the four-piece rock band Kinoko Teikoku.

The lyrics poignantly compare the singer to a cat and their beloved to someone with allergies.

Chiaki Sato’s delicate vocals add layers of nuance, making it more than just a sad ballad.

It’s recommended for anyone seeking a ballad that carries more than simple sorrow.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki5rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

This is one of Masaki Suda’s signature songs, written, composed, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.

It’s a heartwarming track with an encouraging message: life isn’t always about having the right answers—its value lies in all the mistakes we make.

It carefully portrays a shift from self-denial to self-acceptance through meeting someone important, making it highly relatable.

Released in May 2019, the song was chosen as the theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Perfect World” and is also included on the album “LOVE.” It’s perfect for times when you want to reflect on yourself or belt out your feelings at karaoke—singing it at full volume can leave you feeling refreshed.

Maplesupittsu6rank/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 Rainhalyosy7rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem