Empathy and recovery songs to heal a heart hurt by divorce

You’re crazy.Yubara Masayuki

Masayuki Yuhara “You’re Out of Your Mind” Official Music Video

Released in November 2025 as the first installment following his move to Tokuma Japan, Masayuki Yuhara’s “Dōka Shiteru ne” is a Latin-tinged kayō pop song that portrays the bewilderment of a man suddenly told by his wife that she wants to leave him.

Created by the star-studded team of lyricist Nemuko Oikawa and composer Tetsuya Gen, the track’s appeal lies in the unexpected twist of Yuhara—long known as half of a devoted “lovebird couple”—deliberately playing the role of a man served divorce papers.

It’s a song that will resonate especially with adults seasoned by life experience.

Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu

[PV] Roppongi Shinju - Ann Lewis

Roppongi Shinju, released in 1984 by Ann Lewis, who flourished as a singer representing the Showa-era kayōkyoku scene.

Alongside lyrics that evoke a somewhat adult relationship, her energetic vocals resonate.

The song depicts the moment when the person you loved is gone, and some listeners will relate to the honest line that suggests “I don’t think I can live alone.” Its passionate sound—where synth tones intertwine with a full band—conjures images of a fiery romance.

If you’re nursing a broken heart, give this empowering rock number a listen.

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Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

This is a song by back number that portrays parting ways with a partner you walked through life with.

The loss you feel when the other person’s presence has shaped who you are—so deeply that it felt like they were half of you—is not easily filled, is it? This work sings of that profound sorrow, the loneliness of memories fading, and the complex feeling of wishing not to forget despite it all.

Released as a single in October 2011, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “Superstar,” and at the time it served as the ending theme for “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” For those who have gone through divorce and are burdened with grief so heavy it feels impossible to recover from, this song will be there to say, “It’s okay not to force yourself to forget right now.” If you listen to this song and shed some tears, you might be able to look forward just a little.

People of the pastHY

[A Tearjerker] A Song That Makes Everyone Remember the Past: “To People of the Past” by HY

The person who was supposed to vow eternity with you has gone on to find happiness without you.

This HY song captures that bittersweet reality.

Even though you’ve decided to “fall in love with someone else,” you still find yourself drifting into “what ifs” in quiet moments, clinging to the hope that maybe you could still go back.

Many of us have been there.

The track was included on the album GLOCAL, released in February 2014, and was performed on a nationwide tour covering 22 locations that same year.

When you’ve been through a divorce and your ex-partner’s happiness unsettles you, the harder you try to forget, the more vivid the memories become.

Perhaps letting yourself sink fully into the melancholy while listening to this song might actually become the very push you need to face forward.

Goodbye HappinessUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Goodbye Happiness

A song by Hikaru Utada that portrays the resolve to say goodbye to days of past happiness and step forward as a new self.

Despite its upbeat dance sound, the lyrics bid farewell not only to loneliness but to happiness itself, conveying both the strength to accept the past and move toward the future, and the sadness that lies beneath.

Released in advance from the album “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.

2” in November 2010, just before her hiatus, it was also featured in a commercial.

Even after going through a divorce and becoming single again, you may want to face your memories and take a strong step forward.

This is a song that gently gives a push to those who feel that way.

ShipwreckNakamori Akina

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

This song was written and composed by Tokiko Kato and provided to Akina Nakamori.

Released in 1987 as her 19th single, the cover came to fruition because Kato herself ardently wished for Nakamori to sing it.

It likens a heart that has lost love and has nowhere to go to a ship stranded by a storm.

For those who have gone through the profound parting of divorce and feel their hearts on the verge of breaking from an unbearable loneliness, the depth of this sorrow will resonate painfully.

It stays close on nights when you don’t want to put on a brave face and instead want to confront your feelings head-on.

Perhaps shedding tears while listening to this song will make your heart feel just a little lighter.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Known for their melodic sound, Sukima Switch delivers a song that portrays a heartrending farewell and the enduring bond that follows a major life decision.

It speaks to how the days spent together completely transformed one’s world, and to the sincere wish for the other person’s happiness even after parting.

Many people have likely carried such complex feelings.

Some listeners may see themselves in the protagonist—who longs to keep protecting the other in their heart even if they can no longer meet—and relate it to an undying love for a former partner or a child living far away.

Released in March 2004, this piece was also featured in the film “Rough,” and it may gently affirm the hearts of those who have overcome painful choices.