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.
Playlist
| Sad Song Rankings [2026] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | NonfictionHirai Ken | play_arrow | A ballad song by Ken Hirai that depicts sorrow |
| 2 | horizonback number | play_arrow | An anthem cheering on high school students who don’t give up on their dreams |
| 3 | Happy Endingback number | play_arrow | A poignant long-distance love song, a timeless tune that resonates with the heart |
| 4 | Because you are hereUru | play_arrow | A masterpiece that expresses a poignant feeling through music |
| 5 | tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa | play_arrow | Delicately portraying post-breakup emotions with an acoustic guitar |
| 6 | He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon | play_arrow | Aimyon, a song that questions life and the meaning of living |
| 7 | First LoveUtada Hikaru | play_arrow | A love ballad by Hikaru Utada |
| 8 | AitaiKato Miria | play_arrow | Miliyah Kato’s “Aitai,” a song about the pain of love |
| 9 | It’s nothing.RADWIMPS | play_arrow | RADWIMPS' tear-jerking love songs |
| 10 | NAOHY | play_arrow | Unrequited love’s pain: a tear-jerking heartbreak song |
| 11 | #302Hirai Ken | play_arrow | Theme song of a drama, expressing the feelings of unrequited love |
| 12 | PrologueUru | play_arrow | A poignant, forbidden love song that resonates with the heart |
| 13 | Only a single voicerokudenashi | play_arrow | A poignant song that comforts heartbreak and loneliness |
| 14 | Maplesupittsu | play_arrow | Spitz's poignant, heart-touching ballad |
| 15 | dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo | play_arrow | Popular choral song, an earnest piece for spring and summer |
| 16 | Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi | play_arrow | A heartwarming ballad that faces forward with hope and anxiety |
| 17 | Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai | play_arrow | A sad ballad of unforgettable love |
| 18 | HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | A heart-stirring movie theme song, the depths of emotion |
| 19 | balladKetsumeishi | play_arrow | A love ballad by Ketsumeishi, a masterpiece that brings tears |
| 20 | You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn | play_arrow | Complicated feelings toward someone who only contacts me when it’s convenient for them |
| 21 | One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi | play_arrow | Masayoshi Yamazaki 'One more time' |
| 22 | spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota | play_arrow | A song of grief and hope for a dearly loved one lost |
| 23 | Goodbye, my beloved.Hana*Hana | play_arrow | A heartwarming song filled with feelings for my grandfather. |
| 24 | SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | Hold onto hope, believe in yourself, and never give up. |
| 25 | single bedSha ran Q | play_arrow | A bittersweet love song by Sharan Q, a track that resonates with the heart |
| 26 | Happinessback number | play_arrow | A bittersweet unrequited love, a pure heart that wishes for others’ happiness |
| 27 | LemonYonezu Kenshi | play_arrow | Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece that sings of lost love and memories |
| 28 | Dinner Songtuki. | play_arrow | tuki.’s love song, with a wistful melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart |
| 29 | Ghost in the FlowersYorushika | play_arrow | A beautiful pop tune as a movie theme song |
| 30 | MetronomeYonezu Kenshi | play_arrow | The allure of Kenshi Yonezu’s poetic and fantastical songs |
| 31 | A Naked Heartaimyon | play_arrow | A song by Aimyon about failed love |
| 32 | I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci | play_arrow | Popular songs by wacci: wistful lyrics and tones |
| 33 | rendezvousshaitoopu | play_arrow | A digital-only single that portrays a heartrending love |
| 34 | RAINSEKAI NO OWARI | play_arrow | RAIN, a heart-healing main theme that warms the soul |
| 35 | Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa | play_arrow | ReoNa saves hearts with despair-themed anime songs |
| 36 | Memories from todayAimer | play_arrow | Aimer’s sad farewell song resonates with the heart |
| 37 | even ifHirai Ken | play_arrow | Ken Hirai's 2000 song that portrays the heartache of unrequited love |
| 38 | PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism | play_arrow | Depicting the poignant feelings of a man who gives up on love |
| 39 | Marigoldaimyon | play_arrow | A love song that expresses love with a nostalgic sound |
| 40 | maybeYOASOBI | play_arrow | YOASOBI's new song is a gentle ballad. |
| 41 | cherrysupittsu | play_arrow | A youthful song about heartbreak that keeps looking forward |
| 42 | Spring Dayaimyon | play_arrow | A song that portrays the Nohara family's everyday life |
| 43 | Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA | play_arrow | The bittersweet struggle of unspoken love |
| 44 | hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake | play_arrow | A bittersweet love song for someone far away, resonating in the heart |
| 45 | budKobukuro | play_arrow | Kobukuro’s classic that sings of gratitude to parents resonates in the heart. |
| 46 | threadNakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” is a wedding staple. |
| 47 | moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro | play_arrow | Chihiro Onitsuka’s Trick theme song is a hit |
| 48 | Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki | play_arrow | A letter to my 15-year-old self, a moving graduation song |
| 49 | forget-me-notAwesome City Club | play_arrow | A song that carries bittersweet feelings on a gentle melody |
| 50 | Love SongGReeeeN | play_arrow | As GReeeeN’s third single overall... |
| 51 | Dried flowersYuuri | play_arrow | The heartbreak song “Dry Flower” resonates with the heart. |
| 52 | Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko | play_arrow | Blue and summer, a beautiful story woven by a duet |
| 53 | LeoYuuri | play_arrow | A poignant classic depicting the farewell and bond with a beloved dog, “Leo” |
| 54 | crescent moonayaka | play_arrow | Ayaka’s song that eases the loneliness of a long-distance relationship |
| 55 | StoryAI | play_arrow | AI’s signature song “Story” is a moving masterpiece. |
| 56 | Love is litrokudenashi | play_arrow | A heartwarming ballad that sings of loneliness and anxiety |
| 57 | 366 daysHY | play_arrow | A song that conveys the importance of releasing emotions and shedding tears |
| 58 | Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi | play_arrow | Tears Flow, a signature song by Rimi Natsukawa |
| 59 | If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism | play_arrow | A masterpiece that sings of the poignant feelings of a long-distance romance |
| 60 | March 9Remioromen | play_arrow | Gratitude and hopeful feelings toward someone special |
| 61 | Letterback number | play_arrow | A song of gratitude to parents that moves them at a wedding |
| 62 | OrangeSMAP | play_arrow | Introducing SMAP’s hidden gem “Orange” |
| 63 | passing by each otherSoala | play_arrow | Intense affection binds and torments the other person |
| 64 | The summer you gave meieiri reo | play_arrow | Theme song of Koinaka, a song about bittersweet summer memories |
| 65 | Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE | play_arrow | Give me a gentle kiss. |
| 66 | Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro | play_arrow | Motohiro Hata’s movie theme song, a masterpiece that resonates with the heart |
| 67 | I wanted to dance to your heartbeat.Pikon | play_arrow | A song whose piano melody resonates with the heart |
| 68 | night after nightKurahashi Yoeko | play_arrow | A highly empathetic song that sings about dark emotions |
| 69 | The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi | play_arrow | The pain of a broken heart, a poignant sadness layered with the rain |
| 70 | Best FriendKiroro | play_arrow | When I'm tired, Kirro's songs support me. |
| 71 | I want to see you.yuzu | play_arrow | Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father |
| 72 | Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi | play_arrow | Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine” is a moving love song. |
| 73 | flameLiSA | play_arrow | “Homura” is a moving song that resonates with the heart, stirring memories and tears. |
| 74 | KanadeSukima Suichi | play_arrow | A timeless song that sings of parting with a loved one and of hope |
| 75 | Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki | play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays the space between loneliness and love |
| 76 | A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly | play_arrow | Introduction to Superfly's Songs for Weddings |
| 77 | Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta | play_arrow | Kenta Kiritani’s moving song, a melody like the sea |
| 78 | dancerVaundy | play_arrow | A song that sings of hope for a bittersweet future |
| 79 | sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae | play_arrow | An emotional theme song from a Makoto Shinkai film born on TikTok |
| 80 | HANABIMr.Children | play_arrow | Mr.Children’s classic song “HANABI” resonates in the heart. |
| 81 | somedaySaucy Dog | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that portrays bittersweet memories of love |
| 82 | evening primroseNovelbright | play_arrow | A moving song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and self-renewal |
| 83 | Motherkariyushi 58 | play_arrow | It’s a song dedicated to my mother. This song… |
| 84 | MiracleGReeeeN | play_arrow | A wedding song that portrays the encounter and bond with a loved one |
| 85 | YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu | play_arrow | Music gives us the courage to overcome hardships. |
| 86 | waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze | play_arrow | Fujii Kaze’s movie theme song. A ballad depicting love and farewell. |
| 87 | Snow BlossomNakajima Mika | play_arrow | Mika Nakashima’s bittersweet winter love song |
| 88 | I long to see you now.MISIA | play_arrow | MISIA “Aitakute Ima” — a masterpiece depicting life |
| 89 | EverythingMISIA | play_arrow | A moving love song performed by the bride |
| 90 | EncoreYOASOBI | play_arrow | The story of two people who met on the last day of the world |
| 91 | 365 daysMr.Children | play_arrow | Popular Mr.Children wedding songs |
| 92 | Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE | play_arrow | MISA and HIDE’s tag-team love song |
| 93 | naporiVaundy | play_arrow | A classic song that sings of love’s warmth and the anxiety of parting |
| 94 | Mikan HeartC&K | play_arrow | C&K’s bittersweet unrequited-love cheer song |
| 95 | The Howling of the Lost OneNeru | play_arrow | This is the 12th work by Neru. N… |
| 96 | Agate Caressed by NightAyase | play_arrow | Ayase’s poignant song stirs the heart. |
| 97 | JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru | play_arrow | The first collaboration theme song by Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada |
| 98 | DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | A song that gently embraces the uncertainties of youth |
| 99 | Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya | play_arrow | Sing about a bittersweet love at a night disco |
| 100 | May it be filled with kindnessFlower | play_arrow | JUJU’s high-quality cover songs |


play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow