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)
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.
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.
Don’t Leave MeB’z
This is a track whose lyrics vividly portray an unavoidable farewell with a gripping sense of urgency, set to a heavy blues-rock sound that hits you right in the chest.
From the intro, where the blues harp tugs at your heartstrings, you’re instantly drawn into its world.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s vulnerability and are sure to resonate deeply with men nursing the pain of heartbreak.
Released in February 1994 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “New Airport Story,” it was later included on the album “The 7th Blues.” Marking a sharp turn from their earlier pop-leaning style to a harder musical approach, this work became a pivotal turning point in the band’s history.
Many who heard it in their youth were likely blown away by Matsumoto’s guitar and Inaba’s vocals.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to play on nights when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of a bittersweet past love.
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.
