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 (31–40)
I miss youBEGIN
BEGIN’s “Koishikute” swells with regret for those beloved days that will never return.
Released in 1990 as BEGIN’s debut single, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Shin Konjiki Yasha: A Hundred-Year Love.” Its heartrending melody conveys the pain of heartbreak and remorse so intensely that it can bring you to tears even without listening to the lyrics.
Layered with words that ache with longing—wanting to go back but being unable to, wishing you had done things differently—the song only deepens the ache in your chest.
If you carry your own regrets, you might let them flow out with your tears through this song.
Dreaming I was dreamingAmuro Namie
This is Namie Amuro’s 11th single, beloved by everyone as a songstress since her debut in the ’90s.
Her vocals are sultry and beautiful, and this breakup song, sung in slow R&B, carries a mature aura.
It makes sense, since it was produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
As the last song before she went on maternity leave, her short-haired look while performing it was incredibly captivating and memorable.
The poignant emotions of the woman expressed in the lyrics overflowed from Amuro herself in this track.
Don’t forget.DREAMS COME TRUE
This is the 10th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in October 1991.
It was also included on the album MILLION KISSES, released the following month, which became a huge hit and was certified 2× Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
The lyrics dwell on lingering feelings for a former lover, and the heartfelt plea—“Even if you hate me, please don’t forget me”—is deeply moving.
It’s a ballad that gently wraps the pain of parting.
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi
This is the 27th single by singer-songwriter Junichi Inagaki, who debuted with the catchphrase “Super Pop Vocal” and is active not only as a singer but also as a drummer.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama Homework.
Although it’s widely known as a classic Christmas song, did you know that the timeline in the lyrics is actually not set in winter? The theme of a couple in a stagnant phase taking some distance and each reflecting on their future is heart-wrenching, even for those who haven’t had such an experience.
With its melancholic melody that evokes vivid scenes, it’s a sentimental number.
Bye For NowT-BOLAN
A gem of a ballad etched in the hearts of many as a supportive anthem about a beautiful farewell.
Released by T-BOLAN in November 1992, this song was used as the theme for Woman Dream and went on to become a million-seller.
Its powerful message—singing of the courage and hope to move toward one’s dreams after overcoming the loneliness of parting—deeply resonates with listeners.
It remains a beloved choice for moments like parting from someone dear, graduation ceremonies, and new beginnings, retaining its luster more than 30 years after its debut.
Featured on the albums HEART OF STONE and SINGLES, it shines brightly as one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs.
Breakup songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular J‑Pop tracks (41–50)
SNOW DANCEDREAMS COME TRUE
A single released on December 24, 1999—Christmas Eve, just as the 20th century was about to end.
Even amid its melancholy, the lyrics conclude with a message to move on toward tomorrow, toward the next world.
Though it’s a heartbreak song and a winter song, its Latin-style rhythm—strongly evocative of summer—makes it slightly danceable, which is striking.
Still, Yoshida Miwa’s vocals carry a floating quality, as if snow were really falling, firmly evoking both winter and farewell, making it a breakup song you’ll want to sink into and listen to closely.
Goodbye Busyuzu
Released in 1999, this is Yuzu’s fifth single.
It sings about the feelings of two people parting as they grow distant, woven with the bittersweet, youthful flavor characteristic of Yuzu at the time.
Although it’s a breakup song, it’s a bright, uplifting number.