Okuhana's Tearjerker Songs: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako1rank/position

Unchanging Things

This is a piece with a beautiful piano melody, perfect for those summer evenings when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Through the lyrics—almost as if a character in a film were speaking directly to you—feelings of nostalgia for irreplaceable days gone by and a deep, unwavering affection for someone precious, unchanged by time, come straight through via Hanako Oku’s clear, translucent voice.

If you’ve ever had those sudden moments when a memory rushes back and your chest tightens, this will really resonate.

The song is included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, and can also be heard on the album “TIME NOTE,” released in March 2007.

It is also known for coloring some of the most moving scenes as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a work I hope you’ll experience at least once in a summer filled with youthful memories—friendship, first love, and more.

wedgeOku Hanako2rank/position

Kusabi (Wedge) by Hanako Oku

A signature ballad by Hanako Oku that depicts undying feelings for someone you can’t forget.

The delicate piano tones express the unfillable hollow and sense of loss after parting from a lover.

Hanako Oku’s crystal-clear voice gently sinks into the heart, doesn’t it? Sung since her indie days, this piece was released as a 10th-anniversary single in July 2015 and is also included on the album Prism.

Despite having no tie-ins, it resonated online and became a hidden gem, amassing a total of 15 million video views.

It’s a heartbreak song, but perfect for creating a moving, mellow atmosphere.

With few key changes and easy emotional delivery, why not choose it as a song to touch the heart of someone you care about?

GarnetOku Hanako3rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

Winter FireworksOku Hanako4rank/position

[Complete Version] “Winter Fireworks” Live Painting PV [Illustrator: May Sickness Mario] / Hanako Oku

A tear-jerking winter ballad released in 2014 by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku.

It depicts the feelings of unrequited love: you have a crush on a close friend, but that person likes another friend.

It might be a double-edged sword to listen to at Christmas, but the feelings you can’t put into words resonate poignantly over its flowing melody.

Taking a step back is one path, but you don’t want to lie to your heart, do you? This song gently nestles up to those feelings.

Give it a listen when you can’t let your emotions out.

It will surely usher in your next future.

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KEI

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loveOku Hanako5rank/position

A heartrending, tear-jerking song: 'Koi (Love) / Hanako Oku'

Even when the person you like already has a partner—and you know in your head that you should back off—you still can’t stop how you feel.

If you’re suffering from unrequited love, this song is for you.

It’s by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, known for hits like “Garnet,” and it’s included on her second album, TIME NOTE, released in 2007.

The lyrics unfold the protagonist’s inner feelings: no matter how much she thinks about the other person, no matter how hard she tries to start disliking them, it just doesn’t work.

It might be a good one to listen to when you want to pause and sort out your feelings about what to do next.

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Araki Jakkan

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fireworksOku Hanako6rank/position

Hanako Oku / Fireworks [Music Video]

Hanako Oku’s “Hanabi” is a breakup song you’ll want to hear if you fell in love in the summer or had your heart broken in the summer.

The lyrics tell the story of two people who meet in summer and part ways in summer, so anyone who’s been through that will surely relate.

The melody is also heartrending and resonates deeply, so if you listen to it after a breakup, tears will naturally start to flow.

It might be nice to listen to it while quietly playing with senko hanabi sparklers by yourself, too.

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Saitō Ayumu

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petalOku Hanako7rank/position

Hanako Oku / Hanabira (Film “He Won’t Kill, She Won’t Die” Ver.) [Music Video]

A song written by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku for the film “Killing Me and the Other One Who Doesn’t Die.” Included on the best-of album “Hanako Oku ALL TIME BEST,” it lingers in your ears with its translucent vocals and striking piano phrases.

The lyrics, which portray unwavering love for a lover who has gone away and a feeling of gratitude for their presence, may give a gentle push to those trying to move forward after heartbreak.

With a beautiful melody and worldview that tie in with the film’s story, it’s a breakup song that nevertheless conveys a sense of strength.

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Hoshino Takashi

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