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] (41–50)
RainingCocco50rank/position
There is a song that gently reaches out to the sorrow and pain you carry in your heart.
Cocco’s “Raining” is a masterpiece with delicately portrayed emotions, and it has remained beloved by many listeners since its release in 1998.
The sadness and poignancy woven into the music deeply move those who hear it.
No matter how bright the day, your heart can be rainy.
This is the kind of music that will softly moisten your heart and awaken a sense of empathy.
Please listen to it when you’re alone and in the mood for reflection.
J-Pop Depressing Songs Ranking [2026] (51–60)
voiceAmano Tsukiko51rank/position
Tsukiko Amano debuted in 2001 as a singer-songwriter shrouded in mystery, keeping her profile undisclosed.
“Koe” is her 11th single, released in 2005, and it exquisitely matches her uniquely cool-toned voice with lyrics that embrace self-sacrifice.
In 2009, she changed her stage name to Tsuki Amano and expanded her activities beyond music.
366 daysHY52rank/position
A four-piece band from Okinawa, HY features a male-female twin vocal mix and is active mainly in their local area.
This song, used as the theme for the film “Threads of Destiny,” is included on their fifth indie album, “HeartY.” The poignant lyrics and melody—born from vocalist/keyboardist Izumi Nakasone’s real-life experience—likely resonated with many women.
Despite never being released as a single, it is known as one of HY’s signature songs: a gem of a heartbreak ballad.
curseYamazaki Hako53rank/position
This is “Noroi” (“Curse”), a song by Hako Yamasaki released in 1979.
I think there are times when we end up hating someone so much we feel like cursing them.
When those feelings surface, don’t you feel overwhelmed with guilt and find it hard to breathe? In those moments, please listen to this song.
Realizing “I’m not the only one who feels this way” should ease your heart.
Although it’s a dark, ominous piece, you could also say it’s a warm song that absorbs the darkness in people’s hearts.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi54rank/position
It’s a poignant song by Kenshi Yonezu that depicts the growing mismatch of feelings between two people who matter to each other.
It’s included on his 2015 album Bremen.
The lyrics liken two metronomes that initially tick in the same rhythm but gradually fall out of sync over time to a relationship drifting apart, offering solace to the pain of loss that everyone experiences.
The gentle tempo and piano tones are soothing, and you can’t help but be drawn in.
It’s a song I especially want those grieving the loss of someone dear to listen to.
The kid who always gets comparedTsuyu55rank/position
A song by Tsuyu that empathizes with the pain of being compared to others.
Many of us have been hurt by being measured against someone else.
This work portrays, head-on, the feelings of inferiority and inner conflict from the perspective of the one being compared.
Rei’s clear, translucent vocals and Pusu’s band sound—blending rock and pop—resonate deeply.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s earnest emotions as they are continually compared by those around them, and their determination to keep going even while blaming themselves is truly moving.
The track was included on the February 2020 album “Yappari Ame wa Furun da ne,” and a remixed version was later released.
It was also featured in Konami’s music game SOUND VOLTEX, earning love from a wide audience.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling unsure of yourself or hurt by comparisons.
It will surely whisper, “I understand,” and stay by your side.
MarshmallowDECO*2756rank/position
Despite its sweet-sounding title, DECO*27’s track released in October 2025 stands out for its hard guitar riffs and aggressive sound.
The lyrics, depicting the protagonist’s psychological struggle as they realize the relationship is a sham and try to cut through the other person’s deceit, shake the listener with their sharp wording.
Its structure—rooted in rock while incorporating rap elements and drop-like developments—recalls “Ghost Rule” and “Hibana,” yet delivers an even more intense finish.
It’s a song that middle schoolers grappling with the complexities of human relationships can relate to, and one that will likely resonate deeply.