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.
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]
- Lonely Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Depressive Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
- Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Ken Hirai’s Tearjerker/Weepy Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- HY’s Tearjerker Songs: Top Cry-Inducing and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (71–80)
Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta78rank/position
This is one of Kenta Kiritani’s signature songs, which also won a Japan Record Award for Excellence.
Composed by Yuu Shimabukuro of BEGIN, its uniquely tear-jerking melody really tugs at the heartstrings.
With a simple yet powerful voice singing about feelings for someone precious, it truly evokes the grandeur of the sea.
Listening to it alone, you might find tears welling up.
And it makes you want to sing it out in nature!
dancerVaundy79rank/position
This is a song with a warmth that gently envelops a wistful heart.
The lyrics convey lingering attachment and inner conflict over a lost love, yet at the same time, you can sense a hope for the future.
Released exclusively via digital distribution in November 2021, the song was performed as the finale of Vaundy’s tour.
The music video features actress Nana Komatsu, directed by Kodai Kobayashi.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to be honest with your feelings or quietly reflect on someone dear to you.
The voice that resonates close to your heart and the relatable lyrics will gently wrap your heart in comfort.
sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae80rank/position
This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” performed by singer Toaka, who gained attention through her activities on TikTok.
The lyrics and composition are by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS—who co-produced the film’s music—together with film composer Kazuma Jinnouchi.
From the very first note, Toaka’s crystalline voice grips the heart.
With lyrics depicting the emotions of girls who grow as they face adversity and a grand, sweeping sound, it’s a profoundly moving track.
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (81–90)
HANABIMr.Children81rank/position
Mr.Children is a quintessential Japanese band loved by people of all ages, known for many moving, tear-jerking songs.
Their track “HANABI,” released in 2008 as their 33rd single, became a long-running hit as the theme song for the popular drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” For anyone struggling with something, holding back emotions, or weighed down by worries, this song resonates deeply from start to finish.
It’s a song you’ll want to remember for those times when you feel like crying.
somedaySaucy Dog82rank/position
A heartwarming song that captures bittersweet feelings of love and nostalgic memories.
It gently paints the small joys of everyday life—like gazing at the stars while walking up a hill, or the moment you held hands for the first time.
Included on the mini-album “Country Road,” released in May 2017, it was also selected as the ending theme for AbemaTV’s “AbemaPrime” for the month of March.
Perfect for when you want to look back on memories with someone special or soothe the pain of a broken heart.
With a tear-jerking sense of storytelling, it’s sure to resonate if you use it in your Instagram Stories.
Wrapped in Saucy Dog’s warm vocals, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.
evening primroseNovelbright83rank/position
It’s a song that gently accompanies the hearts of those carrying feelings of sorrow.
The lyrics, depicting the pain of heartbreak and the process of self-recovery, resonate alongside a melody that sinks deep into the soul.
Novelbright’s delicate vocals express the world of this song even more profoundly.
Released in December 2020, it captured many hearts, including being featured as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!”.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced a breakup or when you want to immerse yourself in past memories.
Use it in your Instagram Stories, and it will surely wrap your bittersweet feelings in warmth.
Motherkariyushi 5884rank/position
This song is addressed to my mother.
It’s also well-known that the song is based on a true story.
Feelings of gratitude toward your mother that are hard to express in everyday life may be conveyed more deeply if you share them at your wedding with this song as the background music.