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)
Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki76rank/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 loveSuperfly77rank/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.
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.
HANABIMr.Children80rank/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.
