Ranking of Dark/Jaded Japanese Songs [2026]
We’re showcasing the monthly top 100 “yami” J-pop songs ranked by view count, all in one place.
When you’re feeling down, upbeat or empowering tracks can help—but sometimes you need songs that gently sit with your pain and offer sympathy.
The playlist is updated weekly.
- Popular Depressive Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular “yami” songs: Japanese music / J‑Pop artist rankings [2026]
- Sad Song Rankings [2026]
- Lonely Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Trash Songs] A carefully curated selection of tracks about the lowest, worst kind of loser—and hidden gems!
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
Japanese Sad Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)
Colorless Self-Harmnekobōro78rank/position
When you’re feeling troubled, listen to this song.
You’ll be drawn into its world! It’s a beautiful track that conjures a transparent hue in your mind—just as the title suggests.
The lyrics, which portray the feelings of a protagonist consumed by self-loathing, are the very essence of a dark, melancholic song.
excuseSha ran Q79rank/position
This is Sharan Q’s 10th single, released in 1996.
It was the theme song for the drama “Age, 35: Koishikute.” It’s a heartbreak song, but you could also call it a “dark,” male-perspective track.
It features Tsunku♂’s characteristically sticky, lingering lyrics and a decidedly unbright melody.
Looking at the lyrics, you can tell the narrator repeatedly falls in love with women, devotes himself to them, and then is quickly discarded.
Lonely Envykoyori80rank/position
A somewhat nostalgic, shadowy sound.
A track by Denpol-P, also known as koyori.
The seamless blend of synth riffs and band-style arrangement leaves a strong impression with its high level of musical quality.
For some reason, listening to it makes me feel as if I’m simply watching children play in a park.
Japanese “Yami” Songs Ranking [2026] (81–90)
Synicalityden|kujira81rank/position
The song that ranked 14th in the VocaColle Summer 2023 TOP 100 is “Synicality.” It’s a track by DenǂWhale, and at first glance it has a gentle, nursery rhyme-like feel.
However, its lyrics are quite dark, depicting the fish at a fishmonger’s.
There are many terrifying expressions woven in, and you might find your impression of fish changed after listening.
Moreover, it can be interpreted not merely as a depiction of fish, but as an allegory comparing people living in society to fish.
powder snowRemioromen82rank/position
Remioromen is a well-known three-piece rock band.
This song was released in November 2005 and became a massive hit after being featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” selling over 850,000 copies in total.
It was also performed when the band made their first appearance at the 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2009.
The gentle, fragile sound of the keyboard and the distorted guitar tones tighten the heart.
In the season when powdery snow falls, I want to listen to this song, hoping my feelings reach that special someone.
thought crimeYorushika83rank/position
Yorushika has produced many emotional songs.
Released ahead of their third album, Plagiarism, is Shisōhan (Thoughtcrime).
It’s a pop song that explores unfulfilled hearts and loneliness.
A highlight is the wide vocal range, which conveys a cool, powerful feel.
So even though the theme is on the downbeat side, it might give you a bit of a boost.
Incidentally, the work was inspired by the novel 1984.
Knowing that may make it even more enjoyable.
Kagerou Daysjin (shizen no teki P)84rank/position
A song by Jin that carries a heartrending yet overwhelming worldview.
Within the unique setting of a time loop, its tragic story deeply shakes the listener’s heart.
Upon its release on Niconico in May 2011, it immediately sparked a huge response, garnering over 1.8 million views.
It was later included on the albums Mekakucity Days and Mekakucity Records, and has been beloved by many as one of Jin’s signature works.
This is a track I want you to hear if you feel stuck in life.
It will gently nudge you forward, reminding you that there is always hope in this world.