Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]

EsperanzaNishino Kana36rank/position

Kana Nishino “Esperanza” MV Full

A song by Kana Nishino that expresses the bittersweet feelings of a woman’s unrequited love through passionate Latin sounds.

Even though she knows the person she likes already has a partner, the woman’s complex emotions still resonate deeply.

The sound of Spanish guitar and the powerful vocals beautifully fuse heartache with a forward-looking spirit.

Released in May 2011, it was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri!!” and was included on the album “Thank you, Love.” It won the Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards.

This is a song that stands by women troubled by unrequited love and gives them the courage to keep looking ahead without giving up.

Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya37rank/position

Takaya Kawasaki - Ambiguous Blue [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A pure, heart-stirring gem of a love song by Takaya Kawasaki that delicately portrays the sense of distance between two people and the ache that comes with it.

The more you learn about the other person, the more jealousy begins to grow—yet the love deepens even more.

These subtle, complex emotions are gently wrapped in his warm vocals and a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar.

Chosen as the theme song for the MBS drama “Fukushū Kareshi: Deki-ai Shachō no Kao ni wa Ura ga Aru” (Revenge Boyfriend: The Devoted CEO Has Another Side), this track tenderly accompanies anyone who, despite feeling doubt and anxiety about their relationship, can’t suppress the feelings they hold inside.

On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer38rank/position

Aimer 'On Nights When I’m Too Lonely to Sleep'

Many people probably find themselves moved to tears by Aimer’s voice alone.

This song, included on her second single released in 2011, “Re:pray/For a Night When I Can’t Sleep Because I’m Lonely,” perfectly fits themes like unrequited love and feelings that won’t reach their destination.

It’s a song sung in remembrance of someone precious you can no longer meet.

Even if you’re not in love right now, it’s a number that stirs a deep, aching sadness that loosens your tear ducts before you know it.

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utatane

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Our FailureMorita Doji39rank/position

Bokutachino Shippai

Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.

Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.

Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.

Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.

Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.

SparkleIkuta Rira40rank/position

Rira Ikuta “Sparkle” Official Music Video

Released digitally in January 2022, it was selected as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

Mikan Arc.” For this piece, the melody was crafted first, then carefully layered with the tones of an acoustic guitar to complete the track, and it looks back on an unrequited love.

The protagonist’s feelings—overcoming the pain of a love that never came true and trying to move forward into the future—resonate quietly alongside her clear, transparent vocals.

It’s a song that will stay by your side on a night just after heartbreak, when you wish to face forward once again.

Astronautpowapowa P41rank/position

Hatsune Miku - Astronauts [Original] with Chinese Subtitles

Astronauts by Powapowa-P is a wistful, gently paced song sung by Hatsune Miku.

At just over seven minutes, it’s relatively long for a Vocaloid track, but it delivers a message that draws listeners in.

Its simple yet powerful sound and tender, memorable melody make it a standout piece.

You can listen to it on Nico Nico Douga, and it’s also included on the CD VOCAROCK collection 3 feat.

Hatsune Miku.

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Tani Satoko

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MetronomeYonezu Kenshi42rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A song that overlays the gradual misalignment of two people’s relationship with an instrument keeping a steady rhythm, conveying a poignant sense of missed connections that tugs at the heart.

Included on the 2015 album “Bremen,” this track powerfully conveys the helplessness of starting in the same tempo only to drift apart over time, as well as the lingering attachment that makes you keep searching for the other person even after you’ve parted.

The animated music video—hand-drawn by Kenshi Yonezu himself with about 200 illustrations—visually deepens the song’s world and leaves a strong impression.

For anyone with an unforgettable love or who has experienced growing apart from someone dear, this is a sorrowful yet beautiful ballad that resonates deeply.