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!
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- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular 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.
unlastingLiSA15rank/position
Even after breaking up, there are times when you don’t want to forget the other person—you want to stay connected forever.
And you find yourself wishing for their happiness.
The build-up from the quiet verse to the chorus gives you strength.
This is a ballad especially recommended for anyone who wants to infuse energy into their heart.
It’s fine for now.MIMI16rank/position
A ballad whose beautiful, heartrending melody and striking piano sound gently stay by your side.
Wrapped in a warm, tender tune, it sings as if offering a quiet hand to someone weary of putting on a brave face.
There are nights when we can’t sleep, unable to accept our failures, setbacks, or our own frailty.
This song encourages you to keep moving forward at your own pace, embracing even past tears as cherished memories.
Released as a single in December 2022, it is also included on the album “When I Embrace the Night.” out in March 2025.
It’s a song to listen to softly when you’re hurting or feel like you’re trying too hard on your own.
Open your heartZARD17rank/position
When people think of ZARD, “Makenaide” tends to take the spotlight, but this song, “Kokoro wo Hirai te” (“Open Your Heart”), is also one that lifts your spirits when you’re feeling lonely.
Its nostalgic melody and Izumi Sakai’s clear, transparent vocals really resonate.
It’s a hidden gem.
Don’t give upZARD18rank/position
A nationwide hit that everyone has heard at least once.
Its powerful lyrics and up-tempo melody give a strong push to the lonely self that’s lost confidence.
When everyone sings it together in a big chorus, the loneliness blows away and you’re filled with energy for tomorrow.
sparklingaiko19rank/position
A masterpiece among Aiko’s masterpieces.
This uptempo song gives voice to the loneliness of being apart from a lover you can hardly ever meet and the heartache of being the one who keeps waiting.
If you haven’t seen your partner lately, sing this one at the top of your lungs and let those feelings out.
Shadows of Summerkinoko teikoku20rank/position
If you want to sink into a calm, laid-back mood, give this piece a try.
It’s a track by the rock band Kinoko Teikoku, known for hits like Chronostasis and Night of the Osmanthus, released as a single in 2016.
The spacious soundscape—imbued with the vibes of city pop, reggae, and ambient music—is wonderfully soothing.
Vocalist Chiaki Sato’s gentle voice is absolutely lovely, too.
It might be perfect for those moments when you want to take a breather.