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] (1–10)
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci8rank/position
wacci, who became a hot topic after this song went viral mainly on social media.
As the title suggests, the song is written from the perspective of a woman who, after breaking up with her boyfriend, has started seeing someone new.
However, the protagonist is still hung up on her ex.
It’s a masterpiece that weaves those complicated feelings into the title and every corner of the lyrics.
The song resonated with many listeners, garnering a flood of empathetic responses.
The slightly husky tone of the vocals is striking, so it’s a track I’d especially love to hear men try singing.
It’s nothing.RADWIMPS9rank/position
RADWIMPS’s songs, infused with poignancy and deep emotion, are perfect tear-jerkers to sing at karaoke.
Centered on themes of love that transcends time and fateful encounters, this piece was released in August 2016 as the ending theme for the film “Your Name.” It is included on the album “Your Name.” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart.
With moving lyrics and a beautiful melody that resonates in the heart, this song is recommended for those who have experienced love or parting, and for anyone who wants to feel a bond with someone special.
Sing it at karaoke, and your heart is sure to feel cleansed.
NAOHY10rank/position
This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.
The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.
Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.
It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.
Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.
If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?
Sad Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
#302Hirai Ken11rank/position
It’s the theme song of the drama “4-Minute Marigold.” In the confined space of a karaoke room, Ken Hirai’s calm voice resonates.
The two sing together at karaoke, but the feelings each holds there are deeply sorrowful and seem unlikely to be rewarded.
“It hurts, but I can’t stop thinking about you.” It’s a song that portrays the heart of unrequited love and heartbreak.
Maplesupittsu12rank/position
It’s one of Spitz’s signature ballads and an absolutely indispensable song when introducing bittersweet tracks.
The song was originally included on the March 1998 album “Fake Fur,” and was later released as a single.
It has been used as an insert song across eras, in dramas like “Over Time” and “silent,” so I think many people have heard it.
The lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to keep moving forward while holding tight to memories of a beloved person one can no longer meet, and it really squeezes your heart.
Masamune Kusano’s soft, clear vocals and the band’s warm performance seem to gently permeate a sorrowful heart, while at the same time accentuating the loneliness embedded in the lyrics.
Only a single voicerokudenashi13rank/position
It’s a poignant song that empathizes with people carrying the pain of heartbreak and the struggle of living.
Released in December 2021, it delicately portrays the loneliness and inner conflict of young people today, accompanied by the gentle tones of the piano.
The emotions expressed by Rokudenashi reflect the image of people who, though hurt by everyday words, still try their best to smile.
The song resonated across borders, reaching No.
1 on Hong Kong’s Spotify Viral Chart and moving many hearts.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to those who can’t quite put their feelings into words or who are wrestling with worries alone.
Its tender melodies and vocals will surely stay close to your heart.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo14rank/position
This is a popular piece among choral works, and it’s also a highly sought-after song chosen for wedding receptions and other occasions.
As the title suggests, it’s a song suited to the period from spring to early summer, but the prayer-like, pleading vocals are very heartrending, and it might even be considered a sad song.