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 “Yami” Songs Ranking [2026] (81–90)
fragileEvery Little Thing85rank/position
This ballad, “fragile,” is one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs.
It was a big hit and became very popular.
The poignant feeling that suits autumn envelops the entire track.
It’s a classic that just about everyone knows.
Zamzateniwoha86rank/position
I also recommend “Zamuza,” whose Latin-style melody is addictive.
This track was created by the Vocaloid producer Teniwoha.
Its lyrics portray the heartache of a protagonist rejected by their beloved.
And when you listen to the song, it helps to know about the character named Zamuza in order to fully immerse yourself in its world.
“Zamuza” refers to the protagonist of the novella The Metamorphosis.
She transforms into an insect and has apples thrown at her by her father.
In the novella, there are descriptions of physical pain, but in the song, it can be interpreted as emotional pain.
umbrellaSEKAI NO OWARI87rank/position
Released in 2020, SEKAI NO OWARI’s single “umbrella” was the ending theme for the drama “Dragon’s Path: The Two-Faced Avenger,” starring Hiroshi Tamaki.
The song uses rain as a metaphor for the darkness and turmoil of the heart, and tells its story from the perspective of an umbrella that protects you from that rain.
It’s a track that lets you feel that even when you’re down and lonely, someone is actually watching over you and staying by your side.
My EarlWada Takeaki88rank/position
It’s a song whose lyrics tell the story of several girls trying to jump from a rooftop.
Each girl’s own troubles are written into the lyrics, which makes it compelling.
It’s a masterpiece that once again makes you realize there’s a difference between what you feel yourself and what others feel.
The Religion of Solitudesyudou89rank/position
“The Religion of Loneliness” by syudou, released on February 3, 2020.
It’s a song themed around misfortune, perfectly fitting the mold of a dark, emotionally heavy Vocaloid track.
The lyrics carry a strong message, allowing for a variety of interpretations the more you think about their meaning.
The song speeds up partway through, and there’s even a section where the words are sung letter by letter in English—pure syudou, brimming with emotion and creativity.
The sensation of being dragged into a deep swamp feels like a kind of religion born from the song itself.
Immerse yourself fully in its unique worldview.
confessionHirai Ken90rank/position
This song weaves into its lyrics the protagonist’s aching feelings at being unable to reach someone dear.
It’s a track by hitmaker Ken Hirai, who has produced numerous classics such as “Hitomi wo Tojite,” and it was released in 2012 as his 35th single.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama W no Higeki (The Tragedy of W).
The piece shines a spotlight on people’s true feelings—the depths of the heart that are usually unseen—and it’s startling to listen to.
It makes you wonder what the people around you are thinking, what’s really on their minds… you can’t help but think about it.
J-Pop Depressive Songs Ranking [2026] (91–100)
How to Conquer the WorldNeru91rank/position
It’s a song that cries out with overflowing emotion.
The chorus reaches notes so high you’ll probably need to use falsetto to hit them.
There are plenty of long sustained notes, so it might feel great to sing at karaoke! It’s a classic Vocaloid track that blends a lively rhythm with a touch of poignancy.