A wonderful heartbreak song

Masterpiece! Tear-jerking breakup songs by Japanese bands

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Introducing a carefully curated selection of tear-jerking breakup songs from Japanese bands!

Love is fun in any era, but once you experience a breakup, even the happy memories can become painful to recall.

Not many people choose band songs when they’re heartbroken, but I’ve gathered some recommendations—so take this chance to give them a listen.

I focused on popular artists to make the picks easy to enjoy, even for those who don’t usually listen to band music.

You might even find that song you’ve been curious about!

[Masterpiece!] Tear-Jerking Breakup Songs by Japanese Bands (21–30)

Regretsumika

sumika / Regret [Music Video]

Regretsumika

sumika’s “Regret” is a brisk, refreshing track.

Its vibe shifts dramatically from typical breakup songs by other bands, and that’s very sumika.

The protagonist seems to be wishing their ex could go back to when they still loved them and say something—anything—other than “goodbye.” When you recall how your partner was when they loved you, it’s hard to believe it’s really the end, isn’t it…

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avocadoyonige

yonige - Avocado - [Official Video]

avocadoyonige

Yonige is a Japanese two-woman rock band from Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture.

Their famous breakup song is “Avocado.” It’s a breakup song from a woman’s perspective: while the ex is living a fulfilling life after their split, she’s still stuck back in those days.

People say men change depending on who they date, but when they actually change for the better, the shock is immeasurable.

It really makes you feel like hurling an avocado all over again…

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[Masterpiece!] Tear-jerking Breakup Songs by Japanese Bands (31–40)

Love songSambomasutā

Sambomaster Love Song Live

Love songSambomasutā

“Love Song” is one of Sambomaster’s signature tracks.

It’s a love song addressed to a woman who is no longer here.

Brimming with longing to see her again, it’s a heartbreak song whose poignant melody and the vocals of Takashi Yamaguchi really touch the heart.

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Happinessback number

Happiness / back number (cover)

Happinessback number

Back number, whose down-to-earth love songs resonate with many, have a track called “Shiawase” that sings about the heartache of feelings that don’t align.

Finding out that the person you like has feelings for someone else is painful enough—but trying to cheer on their love is both endearing and frustrating.

You wish you could shake off these feelings, but what’s hard is how they cling to your heart and won’t let go.

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I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me / back number (cover)

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me.back number

A song by the three-piece rock band back number, included on their 5th album “Chandelier.” The title says it all about the bittersweet reality, and the lyrics are dotted with witty, comical comparisons that somehow ring true—such a perfect touch.

The contrast between the bright, pop arrangement and the unshakeable feelings that linger even after being rejected might feel surprisingly positive and even encouraging to some listeners.

With strings riding a shuffle beat that feels pleasant, it’s a heartbreak song that nevertheless affirms the choice to keep on loving.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I didn’t like it that much.Base Ball Bear

Base Ball Bear – I Didn’t Like It That Much

I didn’t like it that much.Base Ball Bear

One of Base Ball Bear’s signature songs, “Sonnani Suki Janakatta” (“I Didn’t Like You That Much”).

It’s a poignant breakup song in which the reason he was dumped by the girlfriend he loved so much is summed up by the title line.

You can feel the man’s aching sadness and anger.

It’s a heartbreak song that seems to teach how difficult it is to understand a woman’s feelings.

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Et ceteraONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Et Cetera (live Et Cetera)

Et ceteraONE OK ROCK

A tear-jerking rock ballad that wrings out the sorrow of lingering feelings for an ex—wanting to shake them off but being unable to.

It’s a song by ONE OK ROCK, also known for hits like “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer” and “The Beginning,” released in 2007 as their third single.

Since it was used in a docomo commercial, many of you may have heard it.

You can feel that desperate emotion of wanting to say “We’re done” but somehow being unable to, and it tightens your chest just listening to it.

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