Masterpiece! Tear-jerking breakup songs by Japanese bands
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!
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[Masterpiece!] Tearjerking Breakup Songs by Japanese Bands (41–50)
366 daysHY
I bet there are plenty of people who often sing this at karaoke.
It’s one of the signature songs by HY, a hybrid band from Okinawa, included on their fifth album “HeartY,” released in 2008.
It was used as the theme song for the drama and film “Akai Ito,” which made it a hot topic.
The beautiful piano tones and vocalist Nakasone’s clear, soaring voice are a perfect match—they really hit you in the heart.
Whether or not you call it a breakup song, HY’s love songs are all relatable and highly recommended.
If you haven’t yet, definitely give them a listen and explore their tracks.
fishback number
It’s a ballad from a woman’s perspective, singing about how she could have stayed by your side forever.
The song is by back number, the rock band behind many classics like “Takane no Hanako-san,” and it was released in 2014 as their ninth single.
The band’s characteristic warmth in the melody pairs perfectly with the down-to-earth emotions in the lyrics, loosening the tear ducts.
She can’t give up, yet she has to let go… The more you think about the protagonist’s feelings, the more it breaks your heart.
Blue TearsJUDY AND MARY
“Blue Tears” was the first ending theme of the variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” and many people remember it for that impression.
It remains one of JUDY AND MARY’s most beloved signature songs.
While its catchy, quintessential Judy and Mary sound makes it easy to listen to, the lyrics are a poignant breakup story from a woman’s perspective, looking back on a love that ended with someone she could never be with.
Maplesupittsu
It’s a piece that feels like a cold, desiccating wind is blowing—something that seeps into you with a poignant ache.
It’s a song by Spitz, a band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years, released in 1998 as their 19th single.
In recent years, Moka Kamishiraishi’s cover was used in a commercial and became a hot topic.
The way the soundscape unfolds slowly, paired with Kusano’s warm vocals—the harmony is wonderful.
It makes you squint and think, “I wonder what that person is doing now.”
MissingAndrop
It feels as if the gentle sound and vocals softly wrap around your heart.
This is the fourth single by the four-piece rock band androp, released in 2013.
An undying longing for a former lover, no matter how much time passes.
It’s a sorrowful rock ballad that turns that heart-wrenching emotion straight into song.
No matter how long ago it was, the memories of a broken heart keep coming back, don’t they? This is a song that speaks for those feelings—one that anyone can relate to.
I×USilent Siren
It’s a sad love song that brings back memories of winters spent with someone special.
It’s a track by the girl band Silent Siren—affectionately known as “Saisai”—released in 2013 as their fourth single.
The band sound, featuring piano tones, has a clear, translucent quality that alone feels heartrending.
The melody pairs perfectly with vocalist Sumire Yoshida’s unadorned, straight, spine-tingling voice, and it’s tear-inducing.
You may naturally project yourself onto the song’s protagonist and find yourself reminiscing about a past love.
catDISH//
This song is a signature track by DISH//, the dance-rock band fronted by Takumi Kitamura, who is also active as an actor.
Although it was originally a B-side on a single released in 2017, it drew renewed attention after being performed on the buzzworthy YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE in 2020.
The song likens an ex-girlfriend to a cat.
The lyrics and composition were done by Aimyon, and knowing that, some listeners might think, “That’s so her!” The lyrics are filled with depictions of a protagonist who still can’t let go, each one aching with longing, and as you listen, your chest tightens with the pain.
