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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Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Artists [2026] (21–30)
MissingKubota Toshinobu29rank/position
Many people probably know it—it’s a classic by Toshinobu Kubota.
The lyrics are sung with a gentle voice over a very mellow track.
Everything comes together to create a beautiful world.
How about letting that wistful, lonely feeling quietly sink into your heart?
The wind is from the west.Okuda Tamio30rank/position
When you’re feeling lonely, try this song and let your shoulders relax.
It’s a solo track by Tamio Okuda, who’s also active as the vocalist of the rock band UNICORN, released in 2013 as his 25th single.
It was used in a Mazda commercial, so many of you have probably heard it.
The laid-back melody paired with the lively sound feels great! It’s a pop tune that slips right into your ears.
It might even put you in an optimistic mood, like, “I’ll be fine on my own.”
Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Pop Artists [2026] (31–40)
Moon over the open seaAndō Yūko31rank/position
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
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
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.
homeKiyama Yusaku34rank/position
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
“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.
