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)
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.
motion sickness from proximitywanuka58rank/position
This song delicately portrays a sweet yet bittersweet love and the emotions of a woman who can no longer contain those feelings.
Wanuka’s gentle vocals beautifully capture both the strength of her longing and the frustration of being unable to express it.
With this hit, Wanuka—known for a distinctive musical style and worldview—became widely recognized.
Since its release in February 2021, the song quickly gained attention, especially on social media, and as a track included on the album “Aonisai,” it has come to symbolize the poignant love stories of today.
It is a song that offers comfort to those who keep their love a secret and to those who swallow their feelings.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi59rank/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 Dism60rank/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.
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (61–70)
March 9Remioromen61rank/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.
Letterback number62rank/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!
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.