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Sad Song Rankings [2026]
Here is this year’s ranking of “sad songs.”
We present the most-listened-to tracks of the year in order of their ranking.
Songs created by overcoming experiences of “sadness,” along with their lyrics, seem to resonate with many listeners.
They will surely be music that people keep listening to for years to come.
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
NonfictionHirai Ken1rank/position
This is a gem-like ballad by Ken Hirai that powerfully portrays the profound sorrow of losing a close friend and the struggles of life.
Its tender, moving sound centered on acoustic guitar and Hirai’s rich, lustrous vocals gently envelop the heartfelt longing for someone lost.
In the music video, filmed at an amusement park at night, dancer Takeki Kudo’s striking performance gives visual form to a cry of the soul.
Released in June 2017, the song also drew attention as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Chiisana Kyojin” (A Small Giant).
This work resonates deeply with those grieving the loss of a loved one or standing at a crossroads in life, offering a song that truly stays close to the heart.
horizonback number2rank/position
This song is characterized by a warm melody that deeply resonates with listeners.
Created by back number in August 2020, it was written as a cheer song for high school students following the cancellation of the Inter-High.
The lyrics, which empathize with those who have pursued their dreams since childhood, gently portray the sorrow felt when facing setbacks and hardships, as well as the strength to keep looking forward.
Delicately expressing the feelings of people who must part with their past selves or loved ones, or who find themselves in situations where they have to give up their dreams, this piece has a charm that evokes new emotions with every listen.
It is a song that conveys a sense of strength even amid sadness.
Happy Endingback number3rank/position
It’s a bittersweet breakup ballad by back number.
The lyrics delicately portray the pain of a long-distance relationship and the inner conflict of parting, making it a song that really resonates.
Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The music video features Tori Matsuzaka and Haruna Kawaguchi.
It’s the perfect track for those who’ve experienced a breakup or want to look back on memories with someone special.
Use it in your Instagram Stories, and you’re sure to strike a chord with others.
Because you are hereUru4rank/position
It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to empathize with a bittersweet feeling.
Uru’s transparent, pure voice gently sings about the happiness found in everyday life and the bonds with someone special.
Written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus,” it was released in February 2020.
Included on the album “Orion Blue,” it captured many hearts and even earned Platinum certification.
It’s recommended for those who want to express bittersweet emotions through music—whether you’re experiencing a breakup, feeling despair, or hoping to recognize the presence of someone important.
Using it in your Instagram Stories might softly convey how you feel.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa5rank/position
It’s a painfully honest story song that realistically portrays heartbreak.
Over more than six minutes, post-breakup emotions are carefully traced alongside the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.
A pack of cigarettes left behind by an ex becomes the trigger for recalling the time they spent together, and looking back, only regret remains—such a bittersweet inner landscape is woven through Koresawa’s delicate vocals.
Released in March 2017, just before her major-label debut, this piece can be considered a culmination of her work.
It’s also included on the album “Korekara,” where it continues to be loved.
The melodious, straightforward lyrics are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
On nights when you want to face your own feelings, try singing it at karaoke.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon6rank/position
It’s a soul-stirring song that confronts the weight of life.
Released as Aimyon’s ambitious major-label debut in November 2016, it layers warm, heartfelt lyrics over stark despair to question the preciousness and sanctity of living.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?”, its fresh yet powerful vocals resonated deeply with listeners.
Blending elements of folk and pop rock, the song is carried by the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which stand beside those who have felt loneliness or the difficulty of living at least once, quietly echo in the listener’s heart.
When you’re feeling down or troubled, try listening to it alone in silence.
First LoveUtada Hikaru7rank/position
A romantic ballad by Hikaru Utada that carries tender, bittersweet feelings of love and the pure pain of parting on gentle vocals and a beautiful piano melody.
Released to the world in 1999 as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa, the song was included on the album “First Love” and achieved an astonishing sales figure of over eight million copies.
The young Utada’s portrait of a first breakup and the lingering emotions that follow continues to move many hearts as a universal feeling everyone experiences.
Recommended for those who have known fateful meetings and farewells, or who wish to reminisce about their first love.