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

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.