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

Moon over the open seaAndō Yūko31rank/position

Yuko Ando / Moon over the Open Sea

A very warm song by Yuko Ando, who began her singing career in 2003.

Ando’s one-of-a-kind voice blends poignancy and softness, making it incredibly captivating.

The intro to this track is on the longer side at about a minute, letting you sink in slowly—almost like submerging into the sea.

One More Time, One More ChanceYamazaki Masayoshi32rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

A well-known classic by Masayoshi Yamazaki.

It’s a bittersweet song about wishing to start over with a former lover.

If you sing it gently after a heartbreak, the lonely feelings will flow from your heart, carried away by its poignant melody and lyrics.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi33rank/position

Letter to Tomorrow – Aoi Teshima (Full) Theme song for the getsu9 drama “Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love” cover

This is a popular song by Aoi Teshima, featured as the ending theme for the drama “Love That Makes You Cry.” Its lyrics feel like a letter written while waiting for a loved one to return to one’s hometown, and the gentle melody is soothing.

Aoi Teshima’s permeating voice seems to wrap up feelings of loneliness and gently warm them.

While the song can sound like a heartbreak ballad, many listeners may also find themselves thinking of family members far away.

Please give it a listen.

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sasashina

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homeKiyama Yusaku34rank/position

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A well-known classic, needless to say.

The scenes evoked by the lyrics and Yusaku Kiyama’s gentle voice soothe the heart.

With its relaxed, calm melody, it’s a song anyone can sing with ease.

It’s a perfect pick when you’re feeling homesick for your family.

I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi35rank/position

Hiromi Go - I Can't Say It

“Ienai yo” by Hiromi Go—a legendary singer known by every Japanese person, young or old—is a song that represents the Showa era.

It’s amazing how you can listen to it over and over and never get tired of it.

When I’m feeling down and don’t know what to do, it feels like the song gently stays by my side.

I think everyone has those lonely nights when they can’t see the person they love.

In those moments, Hiromi Go’s wonderful voice speaks for your feelings and somehow soothes you.

It’s a highly recommended track.

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Yuuko.S

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Rapid☆Up☆ShowKanjani∞36rank/position

Kanjani Eight / Rapid☆Rise☆Show!!

A popular up-tempo song performed by Kanjani Eight.

Even when things go wrong or you feel lonely, this track makes you want to face forward and keep walking.

Its catchy melody and powerful lyrics give energy and courage to anyone who sings it.

BEAUTIFULTakahashi Yuu37rank/position

Masayoshi Takahashi “BEAUTIFUL” lyric video

It’s a warm song by singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi that gently stays by your side and supports your heart.

The lyrics, written as a message from “me” to “you,” who seems to be struggling, are particularly striking.

Reading them, you can tell that “I” notice the worries that “you” carry—worries others failed to see—and offer many warm words.

If you’re feeling worn down by something you’re struggling with, listening to this song will help you regain a bit of confidence and start facing forward again.

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Hane Keisuke

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SignOnitsuka Chihiro38rank/position

Chihiro Onitsuka – Sign

This song makes me feel deep affection and gratitude for someone who truly cares about me.

In hard times, such a presence reminds us how important that is.

Chihiro Onitsuka’s unique choice of words creates a poetic world, and each word stands out and gleams in the ears.

If there is someone who thinks of you so single-mindedly, I believe that person is a precious life partner.

If you already have someone like that, please cherish them; if you haven’t met them yet, I hope you meet someone like the one sung about in this song.

shadowShibasaki Kou39rank/position

Kage

A masterpiece steeped in melancholy and poignancy, strikingly rendered in a 3/4 rhythm.

Feelings of loneliness, sorrow, and complex emotions toward a loved one are conveyed through Ko Shibasaki’s translucent vocals and the piano’s quiet melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

The beautiful, medium-tempo melody weaves a story alongside the delicate tone of the guitar—truly breathtaking.

Released in February 2006 and serving as the theme song for the TBS drama “Byakuyakō,” the piece struck a deep chord with audiences, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and appearing on numerous releases, including the albums “Kiki ♥” and “Single Best.” The lyrics, penned by Ko Shibasaki herself with a keen grasp of the novel’s world, and the stirring melody gently embrace the hearts of those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

I believeayaka40rank/position

Ayaka – I believe

Ayaka’s landmark debut single at the height of her popularity.

It’s a song that gently embraces the helpless loneliness you feel when you lose sight of your roots.

The chorus’s plea to believe in yourself gives the singer confidence and the strength to face tomorrow.