Hikaru Utada’s Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Inducing Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]

cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru11rank/position

Hikaru Utada – “Sakura Nagashi” (Evangelion Q Version)

Since her debut, singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada has drawn attention for her genius musical sensibility, which continues to deepen to this day.

Her third digital single, “Sakura Nagashi,” written as the theme song for the animated film Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, leaves a lingering impression with its striking guitar sound layered over a piano-and-strings ensemble.

The lyrics evoke a story in which, after parting with someone precious whom one cannot accept losing, time nonetheless keeps moving forward—something you can feel resonates with the film’s narrative.

It’s a beautiful ballad whose sense of weightlessness and aching sorrow tightens the chest.

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Hoshino Takashi

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LettersUtada Hikaru12rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Letters

The other track on the 11th double A-side single, released together with Hikaru Utada’s “SAKURA Drops.” Although it’s known as a heartbreak song, “Letters” was created from the experience of her mother heading off to work without notice, leaving only a note to tell her.

For a little girl, her mother’s business trip feels like a small “goodbye,” and I imagine it must feel very lonely.

lightUtada Hikaru13rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Hikari

It’s a song that makes you feel she emerged from the darkness and found happiness in the light.

It became a topic of conversation as a deeply personal piece—enough that she used her real name in the title.

For brides and grooms reflecting on their lives and standing right in front of happiness, it’s a song that brings tears.

You can sense Hikaru Utada’s hidden feelings in every line of the lyrics, and before you know it, the tears start to flow.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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First loveUtada Hikaru14rank/position

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

A beautiful love song by Hikaru Utada, the songstress who is the pride of the J-pop scene.

Centered on the theme of first love, it captures all the emotions of a crush—delighting in little moments, getting hurt by little things.

Her crystal-clear voice resounds beautifully over a strings-featured accompaniment, making it an exceptionally lovely track.

If you’re in unrequited love—especially if it feels like a great romance that could be your very first love—this is a song you should definitely listen to.

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Hane Keisuke

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JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru15rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada – JANE DOE

This is a gemlike ballad marking a miraculous collaboration between two of Japan’s foremost creators, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.

It’s included on a double A-side single released in September 2025.

Written specifically as the ending theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, the piece was crafted to echo the film’s dark, heartrending story.

Utada’s vocals—described by Yonezu as “blowing through like the wind”—intertwine with a melody that evokes pain and memory, tightening your chest as you listen.

It’s perfect not only for savoring the lingering afterglow of the movie, but also for those quiet nights when you want to shed tears alone.

Beautiful WorldUtada Hikaru16rank/position

Utada Hikaru「Beautiful World」　Directed by Tsurumaki Kazuya

This song sung by Hikaru Utada is deeply etched in people’s hearts alongside the Evangelion feature films.

Released in August 2007, it was used as the theme song for the movie Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.

With a pop sound that incorporates mid-tempo house elements, it gives voice to poignant love and a profound prayer.

Utada herself is a fan of Evangelion and reportedly crafted the track with the world of the series in mind.

The lyrics, which reflect the emotions of the anime’s characters, are sure to resonate with listeners.

It’s a moving, tear-jerking song that fills you with a bittersweet feeling.

Deep RiverUtada Hikaru17rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Deep River

The title track included on Hikaru Utada’s third album, Deep River, released in 2002.

Taken literally, the title means “deep river,” which evokes a somewhat dark image—like feeling your way forward in search of a path.

It’s a song that will surely stay by your side when you’re facing something and feeling lost, when you don’t know what to do—one that cleanses the heart and can even move you to tears.

It’s also a number that showcases Utada’s outstanding vocal prowess.

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utatane

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