Sad Song Rankings [2026]

NonfictionHirai Ken1rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

This is a gem-like ballad by Ken Hirai that powerfully portrays the profound sorrow of losing a close friend and the struggles of life.

Its tender, moving sound centered on acoustic guitar and Hirai’s rich, lustrous vocals gently envelop the heartfelt longing for someone lost.

In the music video, filmed at an amusement park at night, dancer Takeki Kudo’s striking performance gives visual form to a cry of the soul.

Released in June 2017, the song also drew attention as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Chiisana Kyojin” (A Small Giant).

This work resonates deeply with those grieving the loss of a loved one or standing at a crossroads in life, offering a song that truly stays close to the heart.

horizonback number2rank/position

back number – Horizon

This song is characterized by a warm melody that deeply resonates with listeners.

Created by back number in August 2020, it was written as a cheer song for high school students following the cancellation of the Inter-High.

The lyrics, which empathize with those who have pursued their dreams since childhood, gently portray the sorrow felt when facing setbacks and hardships, as well as the strength to keep looking forward.

Delicately expressing the feelings of people who must part with their past selves or loved ones, or who find themselves in situations where they have to give up their dreams, this piece has a charm that evokes new emotions with every listen.

It is a song that conveys a sense of strength even amid sadness.

Happy Endingback number3rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

It’s a bittersweet breakup ballad by back number.

The lyrics delicately portray the pain of a long-distance relationship and the inner conflict of parting, making it a song that really resonates.

Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The music video features Tori Matsuzaka and Haruna Kawaguchi.

It’s the perfect track for those who’ve experienced a breakup or want to look back on memories with someone special.

Use it in your Instagram Stories, and you’re sure to strike a chord with others.

Because you are hereUru4rank/position

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to empathize with a bittersweet feeling.

Uru’s transparent, pure voice gently sings about the happiness found in everyday life and the bonds with someone special.

Written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus,” it was released in February 2020.

Included on the album “Orion Blue,” it captured many hearts and even earned Platinum certification.

It’s recommended for those who want to express bittersweet emotions through music—whether you’re experiencing a breakup, feeling despair, or hoping to recognize the presence of someone important.

Using it in your Instagram Stories might softly convey how you feel.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa5rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

It’s a painfully honest story song that realistically portrays heartbreak.

Over more than six minutes, post-breakup emotions are carefully traced alongside the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.

A pack of cigarettes left behind by an ex becomes the trigger for recalling the time they spent together, and looking back, only regret remains—such a bittersweet inner landscape is woven through Koresawa’s delicate vocals.

Released in March 2017, just before her major-label debut, this piece can be considered a culmination of her work.

It’s also included on the album “Korekara,” where it continues to be loved.

The melodious, straightforward lyrics are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

On nights when you want to face your own feelings, try singing it at karaoke.

He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon6rank/position

Aimyon – I Was Alive [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a soul-stirring song that confronts the weight of life.

Released as Aimyon’s ambitious major-label debut in November 2016, it layers warm, heartfelt lyrics over stark despair to question the preciousness and sanctity of living.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?”, its fresh yet powerful vocals resonated deeply with listeners.

Blending elements of folk and pop rock, the song is carried by the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar.

The lyrics, which stand beside those who have felt loneliness or the difficulty of living at least once, quietly echo in the listener’s heart.

When you’re feeling down or troubled, try listening to it alone in silence.

First LoveUtada Hikaru7rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A romantic ballad by Hikaru Utada that carries tender, bittersweet feelings of love and the pure pain of parting on gentle vocals and a beautiful piano melody.

Released to the world in 1999 as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa, the song was included on the album “First Love” and achieved an astonishing sales figure of over eight million copies.

The young Utada’s portrait of a first breakup and the lingering emotions that follow continues to move many hearts as a universal feeling everyone experiences.

Recommended for those who have known fateful meetings and farewells, or who wish to reminisce about their first love.

AitaiKato Miria8rank/position

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

When it comes to timeless songs you want to listen to when you’re going through heartbreak, you can’t leave out “Aitai.” It’s a track from Miliyah Kato’s 2009 album “Ring,” and it was used as an insert song in the 2010 film “Akunin” (Villain).

Many women have likely been moved to tears by the lyrics, which earnestly express a woman’s single-minded devotion.

“Even if you’re not kind to me, even if you have someone else, I still love you…”—that kind of sorrow tightens your chest.

It’s a highly recommended song for those times when you want to cry your heart out because you can’t see the person you love.

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It’s nothing.RADWIMPS9rank/position

Nandemonaiya (Movie Version)

RADWIMPS’s songs, infused with poignancy and deep emotion, are perfect tear-jerkers to sing at karaoke.

Centered on themes of love that transcends time and fateful encounters, this piece was released in August 2016 as the ending theme for the film “Your Name.” It is included on the album “Your Name.” which reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart.

With moving lyrics and a beautiful melody that resonates in the heart, this song is recommended for those who have experienced love or parting, and for anyone who wants to feel a bond with someone special.

Sing it at karaoke, and your heart is sure to feel cleansed.

NAOHY10rank/position

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.

The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.

Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.

It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.

Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.

If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?