A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
Picking out “breakup songs” from among the classic hits of the ’80s!
When it comes to breakup songs, that contrast between a wistful melody and lyrics still burning with uncooled passion really hits home, doesn’t it?
The tracks we’re introducing today are all packed with the powerful feeling of “I still love you” amid the sadness—songs that’ll bring you to tears.
If you’re thinking, “I want to know ’80s breakup songs,” or “I want to hear the hit songs of my youth again,” be sure to check these out.
They may be from the ’80s, but true classics move us regardless of the era.
If you’re younger, take this chance to give them a listen!
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Breakup songs that were hits in the 1980s. Classic and popular J-pop tracks (41–50)
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Tears on My BirthdayHOUND DOG
Released in 1982 by HOUND DOG, this song resonated with many as a ballad about the end of a romance.
Carried by a powerful rock sound, it conveys the protagonist’s regret and lingering feelings.
The lyrics depicting a breakup are brought to life by Yasuhira Otomo’s emotionally rich vocals.
Put out by Sony Music, this track gently envelops the pain of heartbreak, turning unhealed wounds into cherished memories.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night, together with the memory of a love you still can’t forget.
Mary AnnTHE ALFEE
A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.
Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.
30 on the year-end ranking.
It later climbed to No.
3 on The Best Ten.
Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.
Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.
With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.
perchKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Tomarigi” (“Perch”) sings of lingering attachment to a man who is leaving her.
Released in 1980, this song was a hit that won the Grand Prize at the 13th Japan Cable Radio Awards.
Despite having been a comforting emotional haven for the man, the woman is abandoned by him with startling ease.
The lyrics paint this scene so vividly that one feels the woman’s pain, as if all the love she had poured into him has been wasted.
And yet, the lingering attachment and love she still holds for the man well up with a poignant sorrow.
Lonely Heart (Japanese Version)CREATION
Creation, a pioneering presence in Japanese rock bands.
In their early days, they were active as a blues rock band and released numerous classic songs.
From Creation’s catalog, I’d like to introduce “LONELY HEART (Japanese Version).” This song melodically expresses the heartrending feelings of a man after a breakup.
There’s also an English version, so you can enjoy comparing the two.
In conclusion
I introduced some breakup songs that were hits in the ’80s.
If you listened to these songs back then, they may have brought back memories of your youthful romances.
And if you were searching for songs after a breakup, many of you probably found that they resonated with your feelings and moved you to tears.
Heartbreak is very painful, but please don’t think “love is only suffering”—I hope you’ll find a new love again.
May these ’80s breakup songs be a source of comfort for your heart.