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)
MY GRADUATIONSPEED
When it comes to female dance-and-vocal groups that were hugely successful in the ’90s, it has to be them.
It’s a heartbreak song loved by people of all ages, featuring such poignant singing that you wouldn’t believe some members were still in middle school.
The two vocalists’ high, pure, crystal-clear voices really strike a chord.
From the beautiful intro that evokes a sense of nostalgia to the powerful chorus, it’s a breakup song that still gives you hope for the future and the courage to keep moving forward after heartbreak.
The gospel-like ending is especially memorable.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
Released when KinKi Kids were still just boys making their debut, this song immediately captured everyone’s attention.
They sing so poignantly and coolly about a boy’s dilemma of not being able to win the love he wants, conveying the pure heart of teenagers.
It’s the ultimate heartbreak song.
The fact that it’s a Tatsuro Yamashita composition also drew major attention.
The duo’s bittersweet harmonies still resonate, and many people continue to sing this song at karaoke.
As a breakup song, it remains a popular favorite to this day.
A little; a bitDaikoku Maki
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Maki Ohguro, who, at the time of her debut, inspired various urban legends due to her mysterious presence.
The song was used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Ichigo Hakusho,” and Ohguro’s powerful, emotional vocals make a strong impact.
The lyrics depict the complex feelings of being unable to move on because of an ex-lover’s half-hearted behavior—resonating with many women and likely making men realize they should be more careful.
With its dynamic vocals and refreshing melody, it’s a track that can blow away the pain of heartbreak.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
It’s one of the signature breakup songs that became a hit in the ’90s.
The slow melody and her signature vocal style gently soothe the listener’s heart.
It’s a wonderful song that lets you quietly look back on your love after a breakup and remember the happy times—crying and laughing along the way.
She says that while a beetle’s shell looks hard and strong, it might actually be a fragile and lonely creature.
From those words, the heartbroken protagonist is likened to a beetle.
Perhaps women fall in love while doing their utmost to protect themselves.
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.
