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 (31–40)

Moon Song[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Moon Song (MV)

Moon Song[Alexandros]

This is “Moon Song,” a track from [Alexandros]’s 2016 album EXIST!.

It’s a song with a hauntingly poignant melody.

As you revisit memories with someone precious, you’re confronted with the fact that they’re no longer by your side.

The lyrics give that impression, making it perfect for a broken heart.

It’s a tear-jerking breakup song that brings back memories of someone you loved—highly recommended.

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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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Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

A poignant ballad by back number that quietly sings of lingering feelings and a sense of loss for a former lover.

Released in October 2011 as their third single, the song is also included on the album “Superstar,” which came out the same month.

The lyrics portray the emptiness of days that keep going even after losing the most important person in the world, and the deep bond in which the two formed halves of each other.

Fear of memories of the other fading intertwines with the resignation that they will eventually be forgotten, and the realization that the time spent with the person was part of oneself wells up with aching tenderness.

A song that offers comfort to anyone who has lost someone dear.

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[Masterpiece!] Tearjerking Breakup Songs by Japanese Bands (41–50)

orangeChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Orange” Music Video

orangeChatto Monchī

A self that changed without even realizing it, and because of that, ended up hurting the other person… It’s a heartbreaking breakup song where the regret comes through even in the vocals.

It’s a track by Chatmonchy, a girls’ band from Tokushima Prefecture, released in 2007 as their sixth single.

Chosen as an ending theme for the anime BLEACH, it drew widespread attention.

The strummed guitars drive an emotional ballad, and you can feel the song’s soundscape expressing the world of its lyrics.

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OverMr.Children

Mr.Children over with Chinese subtitles

OverMr.Children

It’s a breakup song with a curious atmosphere that also leaves a somewhat carefree impression.

It’s a track by the national rock band Mr.

Children, included on their fourth album, Atomic Heart, released in 1994.

The way the vocals spill out the singer’s inner thoughts, bit by bit, really lingers in the ear.

If you can get into this kind of mindset, maybe even the big event of a breakup will feel like it’s come to a close.

It’s a number I’d also recommend for karaoke.

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