Breakup songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

BYE BYESHISHAMO

SHISHAMO「BYE BYE」

This is a single by SHISHAMO released in 2017.

It’s about hating how you’re still totally hung up on your ex and saying goodbye to that version of yourself.

From the lyrics, though, it feels like she’s been saying this for years, you know? You understand it in your head, but it’s hard not to keep dragging your feet after a breakup.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (Short ver.)

It’s a song that expresses a bittersweet feeling anyone who’s been through a breakup can relate to.

It makes you realize that your feelings for the person you lost have become a part of you.

You can still sense how the happy memories of the days you spent together are deeply etched in your heart.

Known as one of back number’s signature songs, it was released in October 2011 as their third single.

It received high acclaim at the time, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s a perfect song for those trying to overcome the pain of heartbreak or when you’re in the mood to look back on memories with someone special.

Rouge of Fragmentsbokula.

bokula. – Rouge of Fragments (Official Video)

A bittersweet story delivered by the rock band bokula.

Released digitally in December 2024, this work portrays lingering attachment after a breakup.

Set to a mid-tempo rock tune, it captures the complex feelings toward a former lover.

The swirling mix of gratitude—“Thank you for teaching me how to love”—and the thought, “If we had never met, I wouldn’t be hurting like this,” is deeply relatable.

It’s sure to offer comfort to anyone carrying the pain of a broken heart.

Nachtindigo la End

indigo la End – Nacht

A heartrending, emotional sound that resonates deep in your chest.

This track by indigo la End is set for release in January 2025.

It was written as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “My Cunning Ex-Girlfriend from What’s Wrong with Being Cunning?”.

The lyrics, crafted to align with the drama’s storyline, depict lingering attachments and regrets over past love.

Please take your time and listen to its beautiful melody and delicate arrangement.

and goodbyeosage

osage – and goodbye [Music Video] (Collaborative song with the shoujo manga “I Want a Love That Forgets You,” Volume 3)

If you’ve ever been through a breakup, this song will resonate.

The lyrics capture the feelings of wondering how your ex has changed and secretly hoping you might get back together.

Even when you try your hardest to forget, your mind only fills up with thoughts of that person—the song conveys that poignant, aching emotion.

Released in September 2024, it drew attention as a collaboration track with volume 3 of the shōjo manga “I Want a Love That Forgets You.” The music video features Riko Ishino, with a story in which vocalist Kenta Yamaguchi follows in her footsteps.

It’s a perfect song for anyone dealing with heartbreak or feeling wistful about a past romance.

whiteoutreGretGirl

reGretGirl "Whiteout" Official Music Video

A song that expresses the pain of heartbreak through the color white, it pierces deeply into the listener’s heart.

It deftly portrays the anguish of a breakup—the shocking confession made over the phone while driving down the highway at night, the frustration of being unable to put “I want to see you” into words.

Included on the mini-album “my,” released in December 2017, it drew attention in various ways, including use on TikTok and high praise from Nicole Fujita.

Its straightforward, powerful guitar sound and melody stir complex emotions while giving you the strength to face forward.

The lyrics, which empathize with those who have gone through similar experiences, are especially striking.

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

This is a song by wacci that portrays the bittersweet feelings of being unable to let go of a former lover, no matter how much you want to move on.

It delicately expresses the emotional turmoil of wishing to erase memories of an ex, yet seeing traces of the past even in new encounters.

Released exclusively via digital distribution on July 17, 2024, this work is a highly relatable heartbreak song that speaks to those who, despite trying to enter a new relationship, find themselves held back by lingering feelings and the frustration of not being able to move forward.