Heartbreak songs to listen to at the end of summer. Classic and popular summer tracks.

To You Who Don’t Know LoveNEWS

NEWS – To You Who Don’t Know Love [Official Music Video]

A heartbreak song by NEWS.

Many listeners may feel their hearts tighten as they picture the protagonist longing to return to that summer, thinking of a precious person they’ll never be able to meet again.

The pain learned only through falling in love, and the regret of wishing they had stayed just friends—these might be feelings you recognize, too.

Released in July 2016, the song served as the theme for the drama “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” starring member Shigeaki Kato, and added color to the story.

It’s a tear-jerking masterpiece packed with an irrepressible, swelling tenderness.

SaudadePorunogurafiti

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

One of Porno Graffitti’s signature songs.

Their trademark Latin-tinged sound stirs the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end.

The lyrics portray a helpless love that you can’t forget no matter how hard you try—like a letter that was never sent.

Released in September 2000 as their fourth single, it became a million seller and is also included on the acclaimed album “foo?”.

It’s a track to play when you want to sort through your feelings and inevitably recall a love that can never return.

By—By My SeaBreezeNagayama Miho

By—By My SeaBreeze

As summer draws to a close, you can’t help but sense the end of a romance approaching too… This is a song by Miho Nakayama that gently embraces that bittersweet feeling.

In contrast to the funky sound crafted by Toshinobu Kubota, the lyrics portray a protagonist who is certain the relationship is ending yet still can’t bring themselves to say “goodbye.” Vivid scenes—like the last moments spent by the sea or a ball veering off target and rolling away—spring to mind and tighten the chest.

The track was included on the album “ONE AND ONLY,” released in July 1987.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

I want to be dumped with a happy endingAnri

I want to be dumped with a happy ending

If it’s going to end anyway, I’d rather keep it as a beautiful memory—this is a heartbreak song where bravado and true feelings intermingle.

Released in March 1987 as Anri’s 20th single, the track was featured in a JT “SomeTime LIGHTS” commercial.

It’s also included on the classic album SUMMER FAREWELLS.

Anri’s vocals resonate with the bittersweetness of a fading summer, striking straight to the heart.

The lyrics, portraying a brave yet sorrowful protagonist trying to smile in the face of parting, really hit home.

On nights when you want to look just a little ahead and sort through your memories even amid painful heartbreak, give it a listen.

Ephemeral FireworksKamisama wa saikoro o furanai

God Doesn't Play Dice “Ephemeral Fireworks” [Official Lyric Video]

The rock ballad by God Doesn’t Roll Dice gently accompanies that faintly wistful feeling of bidding farewell to summer.

This work likens a blazing summer romance and its end to lights blooming and vanishing in the night sky.

Told from a female perspective, the lyrics conjure scenes like the mismatched footprints the two leave along the water’s edge, calling summer memories back to life.

Released in July 2020, the song was later included on the EP Cultural Singularity and the acclaimed album Event Horizon.

It’s the perfect number for late summer nights, when you want to be alone with your thoughts and sink into the ache of a bittersweet love.

Late Summer (A Season for One)Arai Yumi

Late Summer 2021 Yumi Arai

This is a song by Yumi Arai that overlays the changing seasonal scenery with the end of a romance and the beginning of time alone.

The sight of leaves blazing with color and delicate flowers swaying in the wind seems to reflect the protagonist’s loneliness.

The song was included on the album “The 14th Moon,” released under the name Yumi Arai in November 1976, and it also served as the theme song for the NHK dramas “Natsu no Furusato” and “Maboroshi no Budōen.” Its poignant melody—mingling a lingering affection for the summer that has passed with a quiet resolve for the seasons to come—resonates deeply with listeners.

Whether you play it on a drive while reminiscing about summer or during a slightly chilly evening stroll, it will gently keep you company.

If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer

Aimer - Had I Not Met You ~Summer Snow, Winter Flower~

This song by the hugely popular singer Aimer fits her voice perfectly, and it heightens the song’s sense of wistfulness.

While the lyrics aren’t directly about the end of summer, the calm, subdued mood and Aimer’s cool vocals feel just right for that time of year.

I think everyone has felt, “If it was going to hurt this much, I wish we had never met,” but this song also expresses a positive feeling: that because they met, they were able to discover strength and kindness.

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Hane Keisuke

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