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]
J-Pop Yami Song Ranking [2026] (11–20)
There was no meaning to being born.mafumafu15rank/position
This is Mafumafu’s signature work, a cry from the heart that chronicles losing one’s sense of self-worth and ceaselessly questioning the meaning of life.
It’s included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019.
The song confronts the value of discarded lives, a society indifferent to others, and the powerlessness of being unable to save anything despite having the potential to become anyone.
Though the lyrics are filled with despairing questions, they ultimately resound with a strong resolve that we must go on living.
It’s a song that stands beside those who find life hard or have lost sight of their own worth.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon16rank/position
This is the major-label debut single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in November 2016.
Shocked by news of a suicide by jumping, Aimyon wrote this piece with honest words about life and death.
The contrast between the fact that an unknown someone undeniably lived and the cold reactions online pierces the heart.
It was also used as the opening theme for the drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?” It’s a deeply moving number that offers support to junior high school students who feel lonely or find life hard.
Kill my ex-boyfriendGōruden Bonbā17rank/position
This is the fourth single by Golden Bomber, released in 2008.
Golden Bomber is famous as an air band, but their songs themselves are always distinctive and draw attention.
As you might guess from the shocking title, this song expresses resentment toward the boyfriend of the person the singer has fallen for.
However, because it has a bright, rock-style feel, it doesn’t come across as too heavy—that’s the key point.
magic mirrorOmori Seiko18rank/position
For those who keep smiling to fit in within a society that feels hard to live in, I want you to listen to “Magic Mirror.” It’s included on Seiko Oomori’s 2017 release “MUTEKI,” and the music video—featuring her strumming a guitar out on the streets—leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics, which capture a girl’s honest feelings, are filled with a poignant sorrow.
Hearing the acoustic textures within the band sound makes you want to let your emotions flow.
If you’re tired of conforming to those around you or feeling lonely, please listen to her voice.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa19rank/position
When your heart feels heavy and you can’t move, there’s a song that gently stays by your side.
Included on ReoNa’s fifth single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, this piece—written and composed by Toa Kasamura—is a track that resonates deeply.
Carried by the sound of the piano, ReoNa’s whispery vocals speak as if softly reading a diary aloud, giving voice to your innermost thoughts.
Rather than forcing encouragement, the lyrics simply offer the warmth of being there, making it a song you’ll want to hear when you’re worn out from trying too hard.
The choral parts, inspired by hymns, envelop you and quietly convey a blessing for living through today.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone getting by while holding on to painful feelings.
I thought about killing myselfamazarashi20rank/position
amazarashi is a rock band from Aomori Prefecture.
Their songs are striking for lyrics that, while afflicted, still carry a certain gentleness.
This work, too, has an extremely intense title, but in the end someone’s presence brings salvation.
It’s a song that gently stays close to a worn-out heart.
J-Pop Depressive Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
AitaiKato Miria21rank/position
It’s a heartbreaking love song that pleads, “Look only at me, choose me.” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, also known for “Love Forever” and “BELIEVE,” included on her 2009 album “Ring.” In 2010, it was also used as an insert song in the film “Villain.” The lyrics portray a woman’s desperate wish for the person she loves to finally notice her, and it’s genuinely tear-jerking.
If you’ve recently gone through a breakup or your unrequited love didn’t work out, this will almost certainly hit home.
