Top 10 Saddest Japanese Songs

The Top Ten
1 Kojo No Tsuki - Jackie Evancho

This is a traditional Japanese sad song about earthly life rising and falling, while the moon and stars remain unchanged. It's sung in Japanese and is included on the Japan release of the "Songs From The Silver Screen" album.

I loved this song before, and I love the version she made. The only problem for me is her accent, but her voice is haunting and I think it fits the song perfectly.

2 Please Stay with Me - Yui

When I hear this song for the first time, I'm crying. It's the most beautiful song I've ever heard from a female singer in this world. Not only does she have an amazing voice, but she also has a beautiful face. She's such a sweet girl. She is the first singer who has ever attracted me, either in Japan or the world, to music and songs. I always love her and pray for her to always do her best in her life as a wife, mother, and singer. I wish her happiness. From me to you.

This song should definitely be number one because she has such a beautiful voice, and she is such a pretty woman. I hope she does well in her music career. She is my inspiration because I want to become a singer/songwriter when I am older.

3 Ichiban No Takaramono - Lisa

This song is by far the only one that made me shed a tear, especially when I found the English translation.

This song honestly makes me sob. You can truly feel the emotions conveyed.

4 Tears - X Japan

It's about living on after the suicide of someone close to you. The song is also written from experience. Yoshiki's father committed suicide when Yoshiki was ten years old. Yoshiki wrote the foundations of what would later become Tears.

This is such a good song. I was on the brink of tears! The part that really got me was the backstory.

5 Kuroi Namida - Anna Tsuchiya

I already knew this song before looking at this list, and I got so excited when I saw it!

I just love it for all the emotions included in this song.

This song is really sad but beautiful.

6 One More Time, One More Chance - Masayoshi Yamazaki

This song always fills me with emotions. It perfectly portrays the yearning to be with someone again.

Here's an excerpt from its English translation:
"I am always searching somewhere for you,
Opposite the house, on the other side of the alley's window,
Even though I know you won't be here."

This is probably one of the most genuine-sounding songs I've ever heard - raw, with no affectations.

Listening to this song always makes me cry.

7 Dareka No Negai Ga Kanau Koro - Utada Hikaru
8 Story - Ai

Very nice song - very meaningful, and she sang this with a lot of emotion!

9 Alone In My Room - Hanah
10 Love Song Ga Kikoeru - Anri

Sad love song. It's about remembering someone you loved and loving that person to the point of wanting to cry.

This was the ending theme song to Tenchi Forever. Beautiful song.

The Contenders
11 Final Distance - Utada Hikaru
12 Heartache - One Ok Rock

The first time I heard it, I broke down into tears. It's absolutely beautiful, and I'm even listening to it now. Everyone should hear it, as well as the Studio Jam Session.

This song is perfect for people who miss someone. It perfectly describes how a person can make a significant impact on your life, making it even harder to move on. The lyrics, melody, emotions, and Taka's voice are all perfect.

I like this song not because of the movie it's associated with, but because of its lyrics.

"So this is heartache? So this is heartache?
Your smile that day changes into memories for me. I miss you."

13 Beautiful - Ayaka

Just like its title, it's simply beautiful.

14 Only Human - K

This is what an emotional song is. I just love this song with its positive lyrics. One Litre of Tears is the best J-series ever.

15 Stand by Me - Anna Tsuchiya

Anna is a great performer. Very nice singer. Makes you want to cry.

This song is just too beautiful. It makes me want to cry.

This song reminds me of the close bond between me and my friends.

16 For You - Mariko Takahashi
17 Stand by U - Tohoshinki

I'm sure whoever listens to their last song performance as 5 members singing this one will definitely cry, even if they're not a fan of Tohoshinki.

18 Sakura - Ikimono Gakari
19 Oboeteiru Kara - Saori Hayami

I think of my best friend who died whenever I hear this song. It always makes me cry when I hear it.

20 Love Story - Namie Amuro

I love the rhythm of the song. When I hear this song, I can't stop crying.

21 Sukiyaki (Ue O Muite) - Kyu Sakamoto

This song should be number 1. Every Japanese person knows this song, and even Americans do. The song speaks about the loneliness experienced after the war. It's the best-selling Japanese song ever.

22 You're the Only - Ono Masatoshi
23 Gravity - Maaya Sakamoto
24 Utsukushiki Zankoku Na Sekai - Yoko Hikasa

Such a good, sad song with a great anime.

25 Aozora - Air

It's by Lia. The song is so touching, yet it's not in the top 10.

8Load More
PSearch List