Sad Song Rankings [2026]

OrangeSMAP64rank/position

Lefty Hand Cream - Full Cover of SMAP 'Orange'

Among SMAP’s songs, “Orange” is often called a hidden gem.

Released in 2000 as the B-side to “Lion Heart,” it’s a coupling track that enjoys high popularity in fan-voted rankings.

It’s a classic ballad that carefully portrays a parting from a loved one—a heartrending love song.

Yet it still feels warm, perhaps because the lyrics end not with “goodbye” but with “thank you.” Covered by female artists such as miwa and loved by listeners of all genders, this song asks you to deliver its final words gently and memorably.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

The summer you gave meieiri reo65rank/position

The Summer You Gave Me – Leo Ieiri (Full)

It was released in 2015 as Leo Ieiri’s 10th single.

It served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Koinaka,” and also became the subtitle of the final episode.

The song captures the resolve to live on without forgetting memories of a summer romance, while also conveying the sorrow of bittersweet recollections.

Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE66rank/position

A Gentle Kiss – DREAMS COME TRUE (Full)

The 31st single by DREAMS COME TRUE.

It was the theme song for the drama “The Castle of Sand.” Among DREAMS COME TRUE’s singles from the 2000s, it achieved the highest sales.

Even if it’s a love without a future and without reward, it’s a song brimming with mature allure that can’t help but keep thinking of “you.”

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro67rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

It’s probably Hata Motohiro’s most famous song, isn’t it? Released in 2015 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it became a long-running hit.

It’s a song that moves you far beyond tears—it truly seeps into the heart.

Even from the intro, the melody is incredibly gentle.

You can really feel the deep care for a friend coming through.

There’s also a mysterious charm that makes you want to come back to it from time to time for no particular reason.

Please listen to it while thinking of someone precious to you.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

I wanted to dance to your heartbeat.Pikon68rank/position

Picon – I Wanted to Dance to Your Pulse ft. Hatsune Miku

A slow ballad with a striking piano melody, this captivating track weaves a beautiful world through its heartrending tune and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Released in January 2018, it is the 17th song by Vocaloid producer Picon and has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube.

The melancholic piece, which sings of loneliness and a sense of loss, carries a lingering afterglow that makes you want to listen in the quiet of the night.

When you’re weighed down by pain or want to immerse yourself in the bittersweet feeling of thinking about someone, it will gently stay by your heart.

night after nightKurahashi Yoeko69rank/position

Yoko Kurahashi - Yonayona Yona Full.

The tune isn’t all that sad, but the lyrics are extremely negative, expressing dark emotions that women often harbor, sung in a way that feels a bit unhinged.

It’s likely to be relatable for many women.

It’s a popular song, with fan-made unofficial PVs and frequent use on Nico Nico Douga.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi70rank/position

Yasushi Nakanishi / Last Rain [Official Music Video]

Released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single.

It was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and has been covered by many artists.

The song poignantly portrays a man’s lingering heartbreak, with the rain amplifying the sadness.