Breakup songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

A heartrending song that draws you in from the opening intro.

Gotoh Masafumi’s raw, passionate vocals—like a cry from the heart—fit perfectly, making this a masterpiece.

Created as the theme song for the film “Solanin,” it gained popularity for bringing listeners to tears, amplified by the story’s poignancy.

The beautiful guitar tones in the intro linger in your mind, making it a truly gorgeous piece.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

A song that weaves a heart-piercing melody with bittersweet lyrics to express the pain and beauty of heartbreak.

Known as an inspiration song for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” it is included on the album “Grower,” released in February 2021.

The sophisticated arrangement—such as the opening noise, the electric piano tones, and the string phrases—leaves a strong impression.

While cherishing memories of a love that’s been lost, this track gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Recommended for those who’ve experienced a breakup or want to sort out their feelings.

It’s a moving heartbreak song packed with Awesome City Club’s charms—be sure to give it a listen.

It’ll get stained.Chatmonchy

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

Vocalist Hashimoto’s high-toned voice—girlishly delicate, gentle, yet tinged with sorrow—is captivating.

Combined with the guitar’s pleasing distortion, it heightens the sense of tragedy in this heartbreakingly poignant breakup song.

It’s adorable, yet no matter how many times you listen, it pierces the heart—a true classic.

Before you become a memoryCYCLE

Before You Become a Memory / Spitz

A heart-wrenching masterpiece about deciding to part ways after being separated from the girl he loved.

Masamune Kusano’s delicate, boyish vocals convey the fleeting nature of love.

The gently enveloping melody is beautiful and incredibly soothing.

The lyrics depict their final visit to a place full of shared memories, bringing tears to your eyes.

Santa ClausELLEGARDEN

[All by myself] Santa Claus – ELLEGARDEN – Full Band Cover [One-person band] ELLEGARDEN #13

A winter love song that likens Santa Claus, whom the children are eagerly awaiting, to romance.

The bittersweet yet driving sound gives you courage even as it brings you to the verge of tears.

Pay special attention to vocalist Hosomi’s powerful yet gentle singing voice.

Way of DifferenceGLAY

GLAY / Way of Difference

We meet, part ways, and then continue walking our separate paths.

After breaking up, I realized it was a relationship through which I was able to grow so much.

But there’s a sense of acceptance—rather than wanting to go back, this song makes me feel grateful to the other person for the growth I experienced.

Night on the Galactic RailroadGOING STEADY

GOING STEADY – Night on the Galactic Railroad

A masterpiece by GOING STEADY.

Inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s Night on the Galactic Railroad, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a cold night while thinking of someone.

With vocalist Kazunobu Mineta’s searing cries, it’s a bittersweet, lonely track that seems to rouse a faltering heart.