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] (61–70)
Letterback number61rank/position
A wedding is a precious day that marks the start of a couple’s new life together.
This back number classic is perfect for such a special occasion.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad that honestly expresses gratitude to one’s parents, filled with memories shared between parent and child from childhood to the present.
Released in August 2015 and featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, the song’s music video stars Kanna Moriya and movingly portrays the bond between a mother and her son.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to express heartfelt thanks to someone important.
If you give it together with a letter of gratitude to your parents, it will surely touch their hearts!
OrangeSMAP62rank/position
Among SMAP’s songs, “Orange” is often called a hidden gem.
Released in 2000 as the B-side to “Lion Heart,” it’s a coupling track that enjoys high popularity in fan-voted rankings.
It’s a classic ballad that carefully portrays a parting from a loved one—a heartrending love song.
Yet it still feels warm, perhaps because the lyrics end not with “goodbye” but with “thank you.” Covered by female artists such as miwa and loved by listeners of all genders, this song asks you to deliver its final words gently and memorably.
passing by each otherSoala63rank/position
Overwhelming love can, without us noticing, turn into invisible chains that bind the other person.
Soala conveys this painful mismatch with a heartrending voice.
It leaves you with a helpless feeling—the ironic reality that actions and affection meant for the best can end up closing the curtain on a relationship.
Released in July 2023, the song resonated with many, surpassing 20 million views on TikTok within six months.
It pierces deeply into the hearts of those who worry that their love might be a burden to the other.
The regret of not finding an answer to what you should have done—it’s truly heartbreaking.
The summer you gave meieiri reo64rank/position
It was released in 2015 as Leo Ieiri’s 10th single.
It served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Koinaka,” and also became the subtitle of the final episode.
The song captures the resolve to live on without forgetting memories of a summer romance, while also conveying the sorrow of bittersweet recollections.
Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE65rank/position
Written as the theme song for the drama “Suna no Utsuwa,” DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Yasashii Kiss o Shite” is a recommended track for adult women.
Even if this love isn’t returned, you’re still the one destined for me.
The lyrics conjure an image of a strong woman, yet you can still hear the sadness of not being able to become his “only one.” Perhaps she silences the man because she’s afraid he’ll tell her it’s over.
Try listening to it on a lonely, difficult night.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro66rank/position
It’s probably Hata Motohiro’s most famous song, isn’t it? Released in 2015 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it became a long-running hit.
It’s a song that moves you far beyond tears—it truly seeps into the heart.
Even from the intro, the melody is incredibly gentle.
You can really feel the deep care for a friend coming through.
There’s also a mysterious charm that makes you want to come back to it from time to time for no particular reason.
Please listen to it while thinking of someone precious to you.
I wanted to dance to your heartbeat.Pikon67rank/position
A slow ballad with a striking piano melody, this captivating track weaves a beautiful world through its heartrending tune and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Released in January 2018, it is the 17th song by Vocaloid producer Picon and has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube.
The melancholic piece, which sings of loneliness and a sense of loss, carries a lingering afterglow that makes you want to listen in the quiet of the night.
When you’re weighed down by pain or want to immerse yourself in the bittersweet feeling of thinking about someone, it will gently stay by your heart.
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko68rank/position
The tune isn’t all that sad, but the lyrics are extremely negative, expressing dark emotions that women often harbor, sung in a way that feels a bit unhinged.
It’s likely to be relatable for many women.
It’s a popular song, with fan-made unofficial PVs and frequent use on Nico Nico Douga.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi69rank/position
Released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single.
It was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and has been covered by many artists.
The song poignantly portrays a man’s lingering heartbreak, with the rain amplifying the sadness.
Best FriendKiroro70rank/position
When you’re feeling kind of worn out and just want to cry for no reason, I recommend Kiroro’s “Best Friend.” Even if you feel alone, listening to this song will remind you that you have people who are important to you and friends by your side.
The song expresses gratitude to those people.