Breakup songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

Bye-bye, babyTHE BLUE HEARTS

Bye-bye, baby

A song with a curious charm that wraps the ache of heartbreak in a bright, poppy sound.

The lyrics by Masatoshi Mashima portray a heart shrunken by lost love through distinctive metaphors—something many listeners may have related to.

This track is included on the album “PAN,” released in July 1995 as the band’s final original record.

It was also used as the ending theme for an NHK-FM program at the time, so some may remember it.

Parting is sad, but the song’s light, buoyant melody can gently lift a heavy heart.

When you’ve lost something and find yourself standing still, it’s a warm anthem that softly gives you a push forward.

Nameless Happy Endindigo la End

indigo la End “Nameless Happy End” (Official Music Video)

They captivate with emotionally charged expressions that only they can deliver.

The somewhat wistful melodies and lyrics are sure to linger in your mind.

A distinctive feature is the guitar that seems to sing.

It’s catchy yet heart-wrenching, and that exquisite balance is truly compelling.

breakup songOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Heartbreak Song” Music Video

This song expresses the pain of heartbreak with an exhilarating melody.

It’s included on Okazaki Taiiku’s EP “Suplex,” released in March 2024, and while it stays close to the hearts of those who’ve been dumped, it also gives them the courage to look forward.

Places filled with memories spent with a lover—like movie theaters and amusement parks—appear one after another, vividly portraying the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

The lyrics that cheer oneself on—“There’s no point in moping around”—also carry Okazaki Taiiku’s signature humor.

It’s a track I’d especially recommend to anyone trying to overcome a painful experience.

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「ray」

This is a song included on the 2014 album RAY.

Even after we part, time keeps moving on.

So I keep walking, pretending to laugh and have fun.

But when I suddenly look up at the sky, the same light we once watched together is still there unchanged, and it brings the memories rushing back… It’s heartbreaking.

Revolveryonige

yonige “Revolver” Official Music Video

A song that gently portrays the sorrow of love and the changes of the heart strikes a perfect balance between wistfulness and resignation.

It delicately depicts two people who were once close gradually growing apart, using everyday scenes like pro wrestling and ramen as a lens.

Chosen as a theme for au’s Santaro commercial series and later included on the 2018 album HOUSE, the track is further brought to life in its music video, which features actor Ryuya Wakaba and conveys a cinematic atmosphere that beautifully captures the song’s world.

Embracing the hearts of those who try to look forward while carrying the pain of heartbreak, it resonates as a quintessential yonige coming-of-age song.

From our joined handsback number

back number – From the Hands We Held (full)

A poignant ballad that reflects on past romance and gradually realizes the value of a lost love.

It delicately portrays the warmth of happier days slowly cooling, as well as the magnitude of the other person’s presence that only becomes clear after the breakup.

Included on the 4th album “Love Story” released in March 2014, it was also used as the commercial song for JTB’s travel product “JTB Premium.” With a gentle, heart-touching melody and a relatable narrative, this song is relatively easy to sing at karaoke and is one you’ll want to try—especially if you’ve experienced heartbreak or parting.

Hand in handCreepHyp

CreepHyp – Hand in Hand

A classic CreepHyp song featuring vocalist Sekai Kan’s heart-gripping voice that’s simply irresistible.

The driving sound and lyrics so poignant they genuinely hurt are unforgettable.

When Ozaki sings as if screaming, wringing the words out, there’s no doubt you’ll be on the verge of tears.