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] (71–80)
I want to see you.yuzu71rank/position
In April 2009, Yuzu released a gem of a ballad imbued with a stirring melody and deep feelings for a loved one.
Created by Kitagawa as an expression of gratitude and love for his late father, the song touched many hearts as the theme for the NHK drama “Ghost Friends.” Carried by a warm piano tone and a beautiful string arrangement, it gives voice to a heartfelt wish for a beloved person who has been lost.
Their moving performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains fresh in memory, and the song was also included on the album “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” where it continues to be cherished.
It is a piece that gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced the parting of a dear one or who carry feelings they cannot fully express.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi72rank/position
Many of Kenshi Yonezu’s songs feature masterful, beautiful Japanese lyrics that can move you to tears.
His song “Eine Kleine” is, without exaggeration, one of the first titles that comes up these days when people talk about tearjerkers.
Included on the 2014 album “YANKEE,” it’s also one of Yonezu’s signature tracks.
The song portrays the willingness to sacrifice oneself precisely because you love someone, and the kind of breakup that happens because of that love.
Anyone struggling with romance will likely be brought to tears when they listen.
It’s also a song that makes you want to experience loving someone in that way.
flameLiSA73rank/position
LiSA’s “Homura,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, was the talk of the town.
Some listeners may find themselves in tears as they recall the film’s moving scenes that tie into the song.
But this track is more than that—it’s a song that resonates deeply even with those who haven’t seen the movie, a tearjerker that touches the heart.
It brings to mind someone you made an important promise to long ago, dear friends or family you rarely get to see, or someone you can no longer meet—reminding everyone of the person they’ve kept in their heart, and moving them to tears before they even realize it.
KanadeSukima Suichi74rank/position
A beloved person who has walked the same path sets off on their own journey… This is a heart-touching ballad that sings of that bittersweet feeling and hope for the future.
It’s one of the signature songs by the musical duo Sukima Switch, released in 2004 as their second single.
A popular track with numerous tie-ins, it was featured in commercials and used as the theme song for the high school baseball program “Netto Koshien.” If you listen, tracing each word as it unfolds, you may find tears falling before you know it.
Please listen while thinking of that special someone in your life.
Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki75rank/position
A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a heart wavering between loneliness and love.
The soul-stirring cry entrusted by Masaki Suda to Huwie Ishizaki resonates deeply with pure emotion.
In days where kindness feels clouded, a bittersweet yet powerful melody wraps around the shape of love we discover.
Released in February 2018 as Masaki Suda’s third single, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “Kiss That Kills.” Suda himself made a cameo appearance in the series, and the song garnered notice for blending beautifully with the drama’s world.
A supreme ballad that shakes the soul, dedicated to those who have experienced heartbreak and partings and wish to sublimate the feelings hidden deep within their hearts.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly76rank/position
The song that celebrates two people on the one-of-a-kind special day of their lives is “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” (“A Bouquet with All My Love”).
Released by the musical unit Superfly in 2008, it’s a track used in many wedding scenes.
Its grand sound resonates, enveloping the festive atmosphere of the venue.
The lyrics portray the miracle and joy of meeting the one you love, which many brides and grooms will relate to.
You can also feel the passion in Shiho Ochi’s convincing vocals.
Consider choosing this song that evokes the image of two people gazing straight into each other’s eyes.
Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta77rank/position
This is one of Kenta Kiritani’s signature songs, which also won a Japan Record Award for Excellence.
Composed by Yuu Shimabukuro of BEGIN, its uniquely tear-jerking melody really tugs at the heartstrings.
With a simple yet powerful voice singing about feelings for someone precious, it truly evokes the grandeur of the sea.
Listening to it alone, you might find tears welling up.
And it makes you want to sing it out in nature!
dancerVaundy78rank/position
This is a song with a warmth that gently envelops a wistful heart.
The lyrics convey lingering attachment and inner conflict over a lost love, yet at the same time, you can sense a hope for the future.
Released exclusively via digital distribution in November 2021, the song was performed as the finale of Vaundy’s tour.
The music video features actress Nana Komatsu, directed by Kodai Kobayashi.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to be honest with your feelings or quietly reflect on someone dear to you.
The voice that resonates close to your heart and the relatable lyrics will gently wrap your heart in comfort.
sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae79rank/position
This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” performed by singer Toaka, who gained attention through her activities on TikTok.
The lyrics and composition are by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS—who co-produced the film’s music—together with film composer Kazuma Jinnouchi.
From the very first note, Toaka’s crystalline voice grips the heart.
With lyrics depicting the emotions of girls who grow as they face adversity and a grand, sweeping sound, it’s a profoundly moving track.
HANABIMr.Children80rank/position
Mr.Children is a quintessential Japanese band loved by people of all ages, known for many moving, tear-jerking songs.
Their track “HANABI,” released in 2008 as their 33rd single, became a long-running hit as the theme song for the popular drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” For anyone struggling with something, holding back emotions, or weighed down by worries, this song resonates deeply from start to finish.
It’s a song you’ll want to remember for those times when you feel like crying.