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!

Playlist

Ranking of Sad Songs by Japanese Pop Artists: Popular Tracks [2026]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	StoryAI		A hopeful song where someone's presence gives you strength
2	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		An anthem to blow away the loneliness of being alone
3	Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā		A popular song that cheerfully sings about heartbreak
4	Love CoridaShishido Kafuka		Kafka Shishido’s Song of Encouragement
5	cherrysupittsu		A masterpiece that evokes parting
6	Maplesupittsu		A gem-like ballad by Spitz that poignantly sings of lost feelings
7	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		A poignant ballad by Yasushi Nakanishi that sings of farewell
8	HappinessAI		This famous melody that everyone knows. Falli...
9	LOVE SONGASKA		ASKA’s classic song “LOVE SONG” resonates with the heart.
10	It always begins with rain.ASKA		ASKA’s moving masterpieces to listen to on a rainy day
11	On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer		Aimer’s clear, translucent-vocal song that sings of sleepless feelings
12	You haveBASI		A solo song like a rousing anthem that resonates with the heart
13	The Light That Is YouGARNET CROW		A classic song that thinks of a loved one
14	unlastingLiSA		Feelings for someone dear remain in the heart forever.
15	It’s fine for now.MIMI		A soothing song that gently accompanies the heart with a tender melody
16	Open your heartZARD		Open your heart, ZARD’s famous song, Izumi Sakai’s voice.
17	Don’t give upZARD		Revive your spirit with uplifting anthems
18	sparklingaiko		Aiko’s classic song, the loneliness of a long-distance relationship
19	Shadows of Summerkinoko teikoku		A blissful moment to unwind with soothing music
20	Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku		A wistful autumn night song by Kinoko Teikoku
21	Never Grow Upchanmina		A heartrending song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the growth it brings
22	HOMEAnjura Aki		People who left their hometowns for further education or employment will at least once…
23	windKobukuro		Kobukuro's heartrending classic
24	IdentitySakanakushon		Sakanaction’s signature song with a unique worldview
25	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		You could even call this song a simple cheer song...
26	Lightningsutoreitenaa		A song that laments the loss of a loved one
27	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		A song that accepts the self who feels lonely
28	On this blue, blue EarthUehara Azumi		Azumi Uehara’s bittersweet up-tempo song
29	MissingKubota Toshinobu		Toshinobu Kubota’s famous song, a beautiful piece that resonates in the heart
30	The wind is from the west.Okuda Tamio		Let's lighten the mood with a song by Tamio Okuda.
31	Moon over the open seaAndō Yūko		Yuko Ando’s gentle, wistful singing voice and the seascape
32	One More Time, One More ChanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Singing about the aching feelings after a broken heart
33	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		Be moved by Aoi Teshima’s touching songs and be soothed by her heartwarming voice.
34	homeKiyama Yusaku		A gentle masterpiece that makes you miss your family
35	I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's 'Ienai yo' is a heart-healing masterpiece.
36	Rapid☆Up☆ShowKanjani∞		It gives me the courage to move forward.
37	BEAUTIFULTakahashi Yuu		Takahashi Yu’s warm supportive message song
38	SignOnitsuka Chihiro		The importance of having someone who cares about you
39	shadowShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki’s poignant masterpiece, the theme song of Into the White Night
40	I believeayaka		Believe in yourself with Ayaka's debut song