Popular Love Song Rankings [2026]

Cute Girlfriendsyudou15rank/position

【Ka Fu】Cute Girlfriend【syudou】

It’s a love song with a yandere vibe.

The track is by syudou, who’s also known for writing and composing “Usseewa,” which sparked a massive social phenomenon, and it was released in 2021.

The suspicious atmosphere and avant‑garde melody line make you want to say, “As expected of syudou.” There’s also a sort of companion piece called “Kareshi no Jude,” so be sure to give that a listen as well.

You’ll start to see the dynamics of the romance and the storyline emerge.

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Araki Jakkan

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fishback number16rank/position

back number – fish (full)

This is a heartbreak song that portrays the poignant feelings for a love that will never return, hidden deep within the heart.

Amid an urban sound, the vocals brim with power, as if emotions are overflowing, and that contrast heightens the sentiment.

Released in February 2014, this track is the band’s ninth single and is also included on their fourth album, “Love Story.” Listening to this piece, which depicts the cruel reality faced by the female protagonist, will bring tears to women suffering from heartbreak as their emotions spill over.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who has someone they just can’t forget.

Happy Endingback number17rank/position

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

This is back number’s 16th single, chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It beautifully conveys the contradictory feeling of deeply loving someone even while saying goodbye, carried by a delicate band sound.

The lyrics portray a brave facade masking a heart crushed by lingering attachment and inner conflict, gripping listeners tightly.

The situation that forces a sad lie, contrary to the title, is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Released in November 2016, the song was also included on the best-of album “Encore” and remains steadily popular.

It’s a standout ballad that gently stays by your side on tearful nights, resonating with anyone who sees their own awkward, tough exterior reflected in it.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi18rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

There are nights when, the more dearly you care for someone, the more you’re seized by a bittersweet ache that makes you even doubt where you belong.

This song from Kenshi Yonezu’s album YANKEE gently stays by the side of a wavering heart like that.

The sorrow that sits right next to the joy of meeting, and the secrets you want to tell but end up hiding.

Even while holding contradictory feelings, the earnest wish to simply stay connected with the other person is sure to bring you to tears.

Included on the album YANKEE released in April 2014, this track also became widely loved as a Tokyo Metro commercial song.

Its music video, illustrated by Yonezu himself, drew attention as well, and its bittersweet yet warm worldview has resonated with many.

It’s a song especially for those who lack confidence and feel timid in love, or for those who keep an unfulfilled longing tucked away in their hearts.

It will affirm even that pain as something beautiful.

AiHata Motohiro19rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Ai (Short ver.)

A timeless hit by Motohiro Hata for anyone who wants to convey pure love on White Day.

His gentle yet powerful voice, together with the delicate tones of the acoustic guitar, resonates straight to the heart.

The lyrics portray a universal, profound love that makes you feel happy just by being together, quietly accompanying the listener’s heart.

Released as a single in January 2010, this song is also included on the beloved masterpiece album “Documentary.” Filled with the tenderness and ache of thinking about someone in the everyday moments, it’s perfect not only for those about to confess their feelings, but also for nights when you want to renew your gratitude to your partner.

loveback number20rank/position

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A gem from back number that captures bittersweet, tenderly aching emotions swaying in the limited time before graduation.

The lyrics, which freeze a youthful moment—like following your crush with your eyes from a classroom window—are sure to make anyone overlay their own memories.

Released in March 2012, this song overflows with warmth that gently nudges men who are thinking of confessing on White Day but can’t quite find the courage.

On a night when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to listen closely.

cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS21rank/position

RADWIMPS – Aloof [Official Music Video]

A RADWIMPS song that delicately and realistically portrays the pain of love, filled with the frustration of an ambiguous sense of distance.

The lyrics trace the emotional ups and downs caused by the other person’s elusive attitude, and yet the irresistible pull you feel, with Yojiro Noda’s woven words and the piano’s melody resonating beautifully to tighten your chest.

Released in December 2018 on their seventh major album, ANTI ANTI GENERATION, this track was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?.

The music video featuring Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio also became a major talking point.

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that makes you want to sink quietly into it on nights troubled by love.