A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
When you’re heartbroken, many people listen to breakup songs to soothe the sadness or find someone who shares their pain.
When you hear a song that matches how you feel, it’s strange how it can make your heart feel lighter.
In this article, we’ll highlight breakup songs specifically from the 1990s.
We’ve selected songs that share your feelings, songs that grieve alongside you—tracks that gently stay by your side when you’re hurting from a broken heart.
When times are tough, lean on the power of music to help heal your sorrow, even just a little.
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Breakup songs that were hits in the '90s. Classic and popular J-Pop songs (11–20)
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
This is the 32nd single by singer Kyoko Koizumi, who burst onto the scene as an idol singer with a string of hits and has also flourished as an actress with her commanding performances.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Papa to Natchan” and became a major hit, selling over a million copies.
Its bright, catchy melody doesn’t make it feel like a heartbreak song at first listen, instead evoking the image of someone recalling a breakup while already starting to move forward.
More than dwelling on the sadness of parting, its message of gratitude is deeply emotional—a timeless breakup song that has remained fresh from the 1990s to today.
AloneMayo Okamoto
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, whose debut single “TOMORROW” became an instant smash hit and sent shockwaves through the J-pop scene with her musical talent.
The sentimental melody riding on a dramatic ensemble mirrors the story told in the lyrics.
The scene of a love lost because of a step that couldn’t be taken is one that many people will recall from their own experience and empathize with.
Her clear, translucent voice further heightens the sorrow—an ideal number to sink into when dealing with heartbreak.
wailing in griefKudō Shizuka
This is the 18th single by singer Shizuka Kudo, who debuted as a member of the idol group Onyanko Club and has continued to showcase her multifaceted talents as an actor, TV personality, jewelry designer, and painter.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Ano Hi ni Kaeritai,” and its memorable chorus is irresistibly catchy.
The lyrics depict the realization of how precious someone is only after losing them—something many who have experienced heartbreak from not being honest about their feelings will relate to.
With a melody that carries both a driving energy and a tinge of melancholy, this is Shizuka Kudo’s biggest hit.
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
Despite being legends who have released numerous hit numbers, B’z continue to lead the Japanese rock scene from the front lines.
This track, included on the Christmas-themed concept mini-album “FRIENDS,” has become a staple Christmas song loved by a wide range of listeners, even though it was never released as a single.
Its story of projecting memories of a former lover onto people passing by on the street is likely to resonate especially with those fresh from a breakup.
Featuring acoustic guitar, the Christmas-tinged ensemble makes it a tried-and-true heartbreak song that evokes a sentimental mood.
Because I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko
This is the 40th single by singer-songwriter Seiko Matsuda, known as an idol singer who dominated the 1980s and enjoyed immense popularity across genders for her looks, vocal ability, and way of life.
The song was used as the ending theme for the debate variety show “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle” and was released as a double A-side single with “Ashita e to Kakedashite Yukō.” The lyrics, which express lingering feelings for someone unforgettable even as time passes after a breakup and one begins to walk a new path, are deeply moving alongside the dramatic melody.
Although written and composed by Matsuda herself, it became her first million-selling hit—a breakup song from the 1990s that everyone knows.
emptyyuzu
This is a breakup song released in 1998 as Yuzu’s third single.
Their fresh vocals and melodies tug at your heartstrings in a way that’s hard to describe.
Even though it’s a breakup song, listening to it feels like a refreshing breeze—such a track.
It might not be counted among their signature songs, but it’s a hidden gem packed with Yuzu’s sound.
Since the lyrics are based on Iwasawa’s real-life experience, there are surely people who have felt the same way.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to under a clear, sunny sky, shedding just a few tears.
Breakup songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular J-pop tracks (21–30)
I’ll surely never forgetZARD
When it comes to female artists who sing breakup songs, you can’t leave out ZARD.
This track is also one of the defining songs of the ’90s.
The lyrics capture sadness and heartache as if they were events unfolding right before your eyes, which really resonates with women.
It may be a breakup song, but Sakai’s clear voice and the forward-looking melody give you the courage to stand up again.
Her songs always give you a push, no matter the moment.
Perhaps this song became a hit not only because it’s a breakup song, but because it also sent strength to women like herself.