Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Pop Artists: Popular Tracks [2026]
Are there times when you want to get a bit sentimental and listen to songs that pierce your heart?
Some people who are sad may want to sink deeper into that sadness, while others might calm their hearts with mellow, wistful tunes.
We’ve gathered a selection of popular, melancholic Japanese songs.
Please take a look!
- Ranking of Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026]
- Lonely Song Rankings [2026]
- Sad Song Rankings [2026]
- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Spitz Heartbreak Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]
- Ayaka’s Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]
- Ayaka’s Heartbreak Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Artists [2026] (1–10)
HappinessAI8rank/position
This is that famous melody everyone knows.
When you’re feeling down, I’m sure you’ll get a boost from the AI’s vibrant, life-filled vocals.
It’s the kind of happy song where, even if you weren’t in the mood at first, before you know it your body’s moving and you’re clapping along.
LOVE SONGASKA9rank/position
ASKA enjoys enormous popularity not only in Japan but also overseas, including in China.
Among his songs, many people would probably say that this “LOVE SONG” is their favorite.
ASKA’s music often pierces the lonely heart, and this “LOVE SONG” is exactly that.
You can feel his emotions through his voice, and the piece itself seems to have the power to move people.
It’s a highly recommended song that truly stays close to the loneliness and wistfulness of being alone.
It always begins with rain.ASKA10rank/position
This is a song released solo by ASKA from CHAGE & ASKA.
Listen to it on a rainy day and the scenery outside will match the imagery of the song, guaranteeing a wonderful time.
With its gentle vocals that resonate in the heart, it’s a classic among rainy-day songs.
Sad Songs by Japanese Artists – Popular Tracks Ranking [2026] (11–20)
On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer11rank/position
This is a song featuring a clear, translucent female vocal.
It’s sung by Aimer, the singer known for tracks like “I beg you,” which was used as an anime film theme song.
It’s included on her first album, Sleepless Nights, released in 2012.
Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics about being unable to sleep because you miss someone so much.
You haveBASI12rank/position
This is a solo track released by BASI from Rhymester MC.
Its gentle melody and lyrics help calm your mind.
Yet the words carry a strong, anthemic message that resonates deeply with each listener in their own way.
The Light That Is YouGARNET CROW13rank/position
A masterpiece where a relaxed melody perfectly matches powerful lyrics.
It sings of feelings for someone precious through GARNET CROW’s distinctive worldview.
The build-up toward the chorus is especially moving and really hits home when you sing it.
If you wish for a miracle…JUJU14rank/position
This is a ballad by JUJU that gently stays close to you when you’re facing illness or harsh realities.
It portrays, along with a beautiful melody, the importance of a smile that brings happiness even amid deep sorrow, and the preciousness of living positively.
Released in November 2006, the song was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “Cupid’s Pranks: Niji-dama” and in a SUBARU commercial.
It is also included on the album “Wonderful Life,” and has become one of JUJU’s signature works.
This piece softly lights a warm glow in the hearts of those grieving the loss of a loved one or feeling anxious as they confront illness.
It meets each listener’s experiences and emotions with compassion and will surely become a source of support.