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] (81–90)
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu86rank/position
When I’m moved to tears by failure or regret, this song gives me the courage to stand up again.
It’s a track by the music unit Hentai Shinshi Club, included on their first album “ZURUMUKE,” released in 2021.
The sound—featuring the beautiful timbre of piano and strings—alone reaches deep into the heart.
And while the flow is understated, you can sense emotions bubbling up beneath the surface.
I recommend listening carefully at night, when you’re alone.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika87rank/position
It was released in 2003 as Mika Nakashima’s 10th single.
As a chaku-uta (mobile ringtone) it achieved million-seller status.
The song was used in Meiji Seika’s commercials for “boda” and “galbo,” in which Nakashima herself appeared, and it is a sad yet beautiful piece that evokes the poignant scenery of winter.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze88rank/position
Fujii Kaze’s ballad, with its poignant melody highlighted by gentle piano tones, beautifully depicts the transience of life and the feelings we hold for those dear to us.
Written as the theme song for the film “She Is Me in Spring,” released in March 2024, the piece powerfully speaks to the importance of letting go—of parting from a loved one and releasing attachment.
It delicately weaves the subtle shifts of the heart over time, posing a quiet resolve to face life’s impermanence.
The music video, directed by Tomokazu Yamada, symbolically explores the essence of love and life, with Fujii Kaze playing a dual role as both an elderly man and a young man.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to calmly reflect on yourself or immerse yourself in memories with someone special.
I long to see you now.MISIA89rank/position
Some of you may strongly associate it with the theme song of the hit drama JIN, starring Takao Osawa.
The song “Aitakute Ima,” released in 2009 as MISIA’s 23rd single, is a tear-jerking masterpiece and one of her signature tracks.
Written as MISIA grappled with the theme of life, it’s a song that makes you think of someone you long to see but cannot.
Her vocals make it all the more moving, bringing listeners to tears.
EverythingMISIA90rank/position
“Everything” is a great song for the bride to sing at the wedding reception.
It was also used as a TV drama’s theme song, and its lyrics, which hint at a proposal from the woman, are very sincere and lovely.
If you sing this song, the groom will surely be moved to tears.