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)
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.
In my heart, thank you.Thetōnanseihoku
A gem of a love song that beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of romance.
It portrays the protagonist’s feelings—aching and earnest, yet left unspoken—set against a gentle soundscape.
Released in April 1986 and also included on the March 1986 album “Hikō Shōnen,” the song was featured in a commercial for Kenwood’s mini component system ROXY, winning the hearts of many music fans.
For anyone who’s struggled to be honest about their feelings of love, this track continues to shine with a timeless allure.
Let’s start from goodbyeSano Motoharu
A slow ballad with elegantly resonant strings that poignantly captures the moment of parting.
It’s said to be a song Motoharu Sano wrote and composed during his high school years.
The contrast between those who wave goodbye and the protagonist who cannot brings the lonely heart that struggles to accept the farewell vividly into focus.
Released in March 1983 as his 10th single, it was also included on the album No Damage, released in April of the same year.
Its steadily unfolding, lyrical melody quietly accompanies anyone who has experienced a departure or a goodbye, and is sure to evoke deep empathy.
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.
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.
In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao
A masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet love story of a man and a woman living in the city, themed around parting and reunion.
Released by Takao Kisugi in 1981, the song delicately captures the emotions that intersect amid the hustle and bustle of urban life.
With poetic lyrics by his sister, Etsuko Kisugi, and a nostalgic, urbane melody, the piece achieves a beautiful harmony that resonates deeply with the heart.
The work was released as a single in November 1981 and included on the album “Yume no Tochū,” which came out in December of the same year.
Later, Hiroko Yakushimaru sang it as the theme song for the film “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun,” leading it to become a major hit.
The album “Yume no Tochū” ranked high on the Oricon charts and achieved the impressive result of 11th in annual sales for 1982.
It is a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced a breakup with a lover or who struggle with love amid the clamor of the city.
Ah, heartlessAn Ruisu
This song expresses a passionate, heartrending love story set to a powerful rock sound.
Released as a single in April 1986, it features lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and composition by NOBODY.
Considered the culmination of Ann Lewis’s kayō-rock style, it has captivated fans across generations with the artist’s powerful vocals.
In July 2006, it returned to the spotlight as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Time of Distrust: Woman Wars.” The fusion of hard-hitting sound and richly emotive melody is striking, and its irresistibly danceable beat makes you tap along.