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] (21–30)
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi21rank/position
When it comes to Masayoshi Yamazaki, many people probably think of this song.
“One more time, One more chance,” released in 1997, is famous both as the theme song for the film “The Moon and a Cabbage,” in which Yamazaki himself starred, and later, in 2007, as the theme song for the animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” From the very first guitar notes in the intro, it’s already brimming with tear-jerking elements, and the song’s theme—“the person you can never forget”—truly resonates.
If you’ve experienced heartbreak, it’s a song you can deeply relate to, one that will move you to tears.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota22rank/position
An overwhelming sense of loss for a cherished person you can no longer meet.
Gently accompanying that aching heart are the works of Totasan, an artist drawing attention as a bedroom creator.
Released in February 2023 and included on the first album “oidaki,” this piece sparked a major reaction, even reaching No.
1 on the USEN HIT SNS rankings.
Its poetic worldview—overlaying delicate, shifting emotions onto natural scenes like the sky and wind—leaves a strong impression.
While wishing for the other person’s happiness, the fierce longing to meet them once more creates a painful inner conflict that tightens your chest just by listening.
Even amid sorrow, the resolve to weave hope for tomorrow is sure to move your heart.
Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana23rank/position
Released in 2000, the song was used as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Oyaji” and became their biggest hit.
It was written by member Izumi Kojima as a dedication to her grandfather who passed away when she was 16, and it conveys a feeling of sadness while encouraging one to look forward.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE24rank/position
This song, chosen as the theme for the film “From Siberia, With Love” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa, sings of the preciousness of life and the wonder of living.
The world is overflowing with conflict, resentment, insults, and many painful, difficult events.
Faced with situations where the future is uncertain, there may be moments when you consider stopping your forward steps.
The message embedded in this song—“Believe in yourself and never give up, because it will surely lead to a brighter future”—will give you the strength to overcome adversity.
single bedSha ran Q25rank/position
It’s one of the signature songs by the popular rock band Sharam Q.
I’d say it’s a classic, bittersweet love song that has been cherished for a long time.
When you want to listen to music quietly by yourself and have a good cry, this song is perfect.
A highly recommended track I’d love for you to hear.
Happinessback number26rank/position
A song by back number whose poignant love theme captivates listeners and resonates with many.
The lyrics depict the story of a woman with a one-sided crush.
The man she longs for is likely her childhood friend or someone close to her.
However, he is in love with another woman, and the heroine is aware of it.
This song portrays a heartbreaking love story that could happen to anyone nearby.
Even if she isn’t the one chosen, her pure and beautiful wish for his happiness is sure to move your heart.
LemonYonezu Kenshi27rank/position
If you want to express a bittersweet feeling through music, this song is perfect.
The lyrics, which depict deep love and sorrow for someone you’ve lost and honor the beautiful memories you shared, resonate deeply.
Released in 2018, it was written as the theme song for TBS Television’s Friday drama “Unnatural.” It is said that Kenshi Yonezu’s grandfather’s death greatly influenced the creation of this work.
The scent of lemon symbolizes the strength of memories, expressing the bond with a beloved person who is no longer here.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting or who wish to cherish memories with someone precious.
Dinner Songtuki.28rank/position
A heart-wrenching love song spun by tuki.
The lyrics portray the conflict of hurting the one you love and the resolve to keep loving them nonetheless, resonating deeply with the listener.
Released in September 2023, it achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on various music charts.
Its gentle, warm melody and tuki.’s expressively rich vocals are sure to bring tears to listeners’ eyes.
A perfect song for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or parting, or who carry feelings for someone dear.
Share it on your Instagram story, and it’s bound to strike a chord with many.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika29rank/position
The third digital-download-only single, “Hana ni Bourei,” was selected as the theme song for the animated film “A Whisker Away.” There’s an anecdote that it was created with a focus on purely beautiful melodies and imagery, and the somewhat nostalgic ensemble truly soothes the heart.
Since the melody is relaxed and the vocal range isn’t that wide, it’s easy to sing calmly at karaoke.
It’s a beautiful pop tune that’s sure to captivate listeners.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi30rank/position
A fantastical work that poetically depicts feelings passing each other by.
It’s a song by the popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, known for tracks like “M87” and “Uma to Shika,” included on his third album Bremen, released in 2015.
The step-by-step rhythm and the gentle tones of piano and strings feel beautiful on their own—they’re truly moving.
Be sure to listen to it together with the animated music video drawn by Kenshi Yonezu himself.
