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] (51–60)
Dried flowersYuuri51rank/position
There are plenty of songs that make you cry, but when it comes to classic tearjerkers, aren’t heartbreak songs the first that come to mind? The song “Dry Flower” is by singer-songwriter Yuuri and serves as a sequel to “Kakurenbo,” which was released in 2019 as his first digital single.
“Kakurenbo” is a heartbreak song from a male perspective, while “Dry Flower” is from a female perspective—like two pieces that complete each other.
The bittersweet, helpless emotions in this track, and listening to both songs in order, make it all the more moving.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko52rank/position
This is an insert song from the film “Blue and Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love With You.” It’s a track crafted by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and the female singer Sonoko Inoue.
A ballad built around a piano-driven sound, it immediately conveys its quality from the intro—some listeners might be moved right from the start.
It also highlights the appeal of a male-female duet.
The beautiful harmonies may bring you to tears before you even realize it.
Let yourself be moved by the clear, translucent voices of these two singers in their twenties.
LeoYuuri53rank/position
Yuuri’s “Leo” is a song about parting with a beloved dog who was part of the family.
Released in 2022 on his debut album “Ichi,” it drew attention as a real tearjerker.
The lyrics are written from the dog’s perspective and overflow with deep love for the owner.
They depict days spent walking and playing together, as well as the loneliness during a time when they were a bit apart.
It reminds us that every single moment spent with someone important is precious and irreplaceable.
If you have a pet, you’ll surely relate—so please give it a listen!
crescent moonayaka54rank/position
There are times when you feel like crying when your partner goes far away, aren’t there? A song recommended for those in a long-distance relationship is Ayaka’s “Mikazuki.” It’s a song themed around long-distance love.
She’s said to have written it based on her feelings when she moved to Tokyo and left her hometown.
The title “Mikazuki” (Crescent Moon) metaphorically refers to the shape of mobile phones at the time.
When you feel lonely, let the relatable lyrics and her beautiful voice soothe you.
It’s a classic that stays close to your heart when you feel like crying.
StoryAI55rank/position
AI is popular across generations for her vocal prowess and emotionally resonant voice.
Among her many songs, “Story” can be considered one of her signature tracks.
It served as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney movie Big Hero 6, making it a highly recognizable song known by both children and adults.
Depending on the listener, the situation or the person it evokes may differ, but it’s a track that strikes a chord with anyone who hears it.
Even if you’ve heard it many times, take a moment to really listen—it’s a moving masterpiece that can bring you to tears.
Love is litrokudenashi56rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad by Rokudenashi that delicately sings of loneliness and anxiety over a simple piano tone.
Ninzin’s clear, translucent voice shines like a warm light on the heart.
Released in February 2023, this song is a collaboration with Vocaloid producer MIMI and is also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana.” It’s a piece that reaches out to those who can’t bring themselves to love themselves or others, who are held back by old wounds, and who carry a quiet sadness.
When you’re burdened by feelings you can’t tell anyone, or overcome by deep solitude, it will gently encourage you right by your ear.
366 daysHY57rank/position
As adults, we often find ourselves in situations where we have to prioritize reason over emotion, and many people may even feel resistance to expressing sadness.
But sometimes it’s important to let yourself cry and be set free.
For those who want to cry but can’t, I recommend HY’s “366 Days.” Included on their fifth album released in 2008, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “The Red Thread” and became a huge hit with 4.5 million downloads.
Its heartrending lyrics—about wanting to stay connected even as feelings drift apart—bring tears to your eyes, and by the time you reach the end, you may find the tears won’t stop.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to take your time, listen closely, and have a good cry.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi58rank/position
This is a signature song by Rimi Natsukawa, whose title in the Okinawan dialect means “tears falling in drops.” The lyricist’s personal feelings for a brother who passed away at a young age may resonate with listeners’ own memories of someone dear to them.
Woven by Natsukawa’s crystal-clear voice, the yearning for someone you can no longer meet evokes the profound sorrow of people torn apart by the tragedies of war and reminds us of the preciousness of peace.
Originally written in 1998 for Ryoko Moriyama, the song became a major hit with Natsukawa’s 2001 cover, which stayed on the Oricon charts for 157 weeks.
In 2006, a film inspired by the song was also released.
If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism59rank/position
The band Official HIGE DANDism has captivated many listeners with numerous love songs.
Their stylish yet catchy performances powered by outstanding musicianship, and vocalist Fujihara’s beautifully soaring voice, are truly compelling.
This song is about a long-distance relationship.
After meeting on the weekend and saying goodbye, the next chance to see each other is five days later…
The title “If Only It Could Stay at Zero” can be understood as a heartfelt wish for those five days until they meet again to become zero.
The lyrics not only convey hope for a future marriage someday, but also the anxiety over whether they’ll even make it that far, making it a song that invites deep empathy and can move you to tears.
March 9Remioromen60rank/position
This song is Remioromen’s signature track and is also beloved as a classic graduation song.
It gained attention as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” too.
Interestingly, the song was originally written by the band members for a friend’s wedding and sings about the presence of someone dear.
With a forward-looking message painted through numerous beautiful scenes, combined with its gentle, tender atmosphere, it becomes a deeply moving piece.
Whether as a graduation song or a wedding song, it’s a touching track that listeners can enjoy while overlaying it with their own feelings.