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 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.
rainMoritaka Chisato
This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Chisato Moritaka, who continues to showcase her multifaceted talents not only in music but also in writing and hosting music programs.
Known for having many versions with different arrangements, it is one of her signature songs.
Its sentimental melody, featuring a clear, fragile beauty within its wistfulness, resonates with the complex emotions of recalling feelings for a cherished person after a breakup while wanting to forget them.
Her cute, charming voice makes it all the more heart-wrenching—if possible, it’s a number you’ll want to compare across every version.
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
Released in 1955, this song is a heartbreak tune that somehow feels deeply nostalgic.
It’s a piece that could only work with akko’s soothing vocals.
Even though it’s a breakup song, why does it fill us with so much hope and strength? It must be in the title, “Hello, Again ~A Place Long Ago~.” It’s a masterpiece that makes you feel like you can return to your youth no matter the era.
It’s a quintessential 90s heartbreak song and a timeless classic loved by many.
Only You ~Summer Heartbreak~Sazan Ōrusutāzu
A poignant classic that colored the summer of 1995.
This exquisite heartbreak ballad portrays lingering feelings for a summer romance that has ended, set against the backdrop of a beautiful seaside scene.
Released as a single in July 1995, it became a major hit as the theme song for the drama “Itsuka Mata Aeru” (Someday We’ll Meet Again).
It was later included on the acclaimed album “Young Love,” and has become a special number—so much so that Keisuke Kuwata has called it “one of my favorite songs” among his own works.
The rich, weighty sound and Kuwata’s voice, which gives full voice to helpless, aching emotion, truly resonate in the heart.
ALONEB’z
This is a massively popular breakup song by B’z that has been loved by listeners across generations.
They have many hit songs, but this one definitely stands out as a signature track.
Its poignant melody and powerful vocals give courage to those who listen.
Inaba’s distinctive singing style further brings out the song’s charm.
The gentle tone is very soothing, and alongside the loneliness of heartbreak, it seems to shine a light on a brighter future.
The guitar solo in the interlude is cool, too.