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 someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- 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)
KanadeSukima Suichi78rank/position
A beloved person who has walked the same path sets off on their own journey… This is a heart-touching ballad that sings of that bittersweet feeling and hope for the future.
It’s one of the signature songs by the musical duo Sukima Switch, released in 2004 as their second single.
A popular track with numerous tie-ins, it was featured in commercials and used as the theme song for the high school baseball program “Netto Koshien.” If you listen, tracing each word as it unfolds, you may find tears falling before you know it.
Please listen while thinking of that special someone in your life.
Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki79rank/position
A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a heart wavering between loneliness and love.
The soul-stirring cry entrusted by Masaki Suda to Huwie Ishizaki resonates deeply with pure emotion.
In days where kindness feels clouded, a bittersweet yet powerful melody wraps around the shape of love we discover.
Released in February 2018 as Masaki Suda’s third single, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “Kiss That Kills.” Suda himself made a cameo appearance in the series, and the song garnered notice for blending beautifully with the drama’s world.
A supreme ballad that shakes the soul, dedicated to those who have experienced heartbreak and partings and wish to sublimate the feelings hidden deep within their hearts.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly80rank/position
The song that celebrates two people on the one-of-a-kind special day of their lives is “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” (“A Bouquet with All My Love”).
Released by the musical unit Superfly in 2008, it’s a track used in many wedding scenes.
Its grand sound resonates, enveloping the festive atmosphere of the venue.
The lyrics portray the miracle and joy of meeting the one you love, which many brides and grooms will relate to.
You can also feel the passion in Shiho Ochi’s convincing vocals.
Consider choosing this song that evokes the image of two people gazing straight into each other’s eyes.
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (81–90)
Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta81rank/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!
dancerVaundy82rank/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.
somedaySaucy Dog83rank/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.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu84rank/position
This song became the theme for the hugely popular drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” which later reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
The drama, centered on high school romance and the surrounding human relationships, resonated with viewers through its pure, heartfelt storytelling.
The lyrics earnestly sing about how meeting the one you love is a miracle, moving you with a story that makes you nostalgically look back on the past.
How about singing it at karaoke with someone special, expressing your gratitude as you do?