Breakup songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

You and the slopesSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Slopes”

A cute song by SHISHAMO that, despite its pop and catchy melody and lyrics, refreshingly speaks for a girl’s bittersweet feelings of love.

The lyrics—yearning for someone to notice her feelings, the frustration and helplessness, and the steadfast “I really do love you”—are touching.

I miss you.UVERworld

UVERworld 'Yearning for You'

A UVERworld song that depicts a bittersweet love.

It sings of longing for a lost love and lingering attachment to a relationship that has come to an end.

Even though you were the one who let go, you only realize the other person’s importance after losing them.

It delicately expresses emotions that almost everyone has felt at least once.

Released in February 2009, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon chart and became a popular track, selling around 70,000 copies.

Many listeners are sure to be moved to tears by TAKUYA∞’s heartrending vocals.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those suffering from heartbreak or who have experienced the loss of someone important.

Happy Endingback number

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

Buck Number, the hot band everyone’s talking about right now.

Vocalist Shimizu’s heartbreak-laden voice and painfully pathetic, clingy lyrics feel strangely real and cut straight to the heart.

This song, “Happy End,” is about choosing to break up even though she still loves him, and conveying those feelings.

It portrays a strong woman who decides to leave him—even if it means lying to her own feelings.

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.