Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Pop Artists: Popular Tracks [2026]

It’s fine for now.MIMI15rank/position

"It's fine for now." / feat. KAFU

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 heartZARD16rank/position

SARD UNDERGROUND “Open Your Heart” LIVE at hills Pan Koujou, 2019-02-03

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 upZARD17rank/position

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

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.

sparklingaiko18rank/position

aiko - 'Kira Kira' music video

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 teikoku19rank/position

Natsuno Kage

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.

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Araki Jakkan

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Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku20rank/position

Kinoko Teikoku — Night of the Osmanthus

The shoegaze band Kinoko Teikoku.

With a languid, ennui-tinged vocal and fluid instrumentation, their songs capture delicate emotions perfectly—just right for nights spent alone.

Among them, ‘Kinmokusei no Yoru’ is especially a track to play in early autumn, when you find yourself longing for someone’s warmth.

It conveys feelings everyone has held at least once and the goodbyes we’ve experienced, in a way only Kinoko Teikoku can.

It’s recommended for those sluggish, meandering nights spent reminiscing about someone you once parted from and the days you shared.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Never Grow Upchanmina21rank/position

Chanmina – Never Grow Up (Official Music Video)

When you go through a heartbreak, it leaves you with an emptiness, as if time has stopped, doesn’t it? I think the title “Never Grow Up” also comes from those feelings.

The sound is light and rhythmic, yet it somehow carries a tinge of sadness.

It’s strange how Chanmina’s voice is so gentle, yet you can still feel the weight of heartbreak.

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gummy

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