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

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This signature number from back number is guaranteed to get everyone hyped during summer drives and karaoke—surely a staple summer song that resonates with many.

The track stands out for expressing the bittersweet feelings of an unrequited crush—yearning for someone who won’t look your way—set to a refreshing, fast-paced sound.

While the lyrics portray the woman he admires as someone out of reach, the charm lies in the protagonist’s comical side, drifting into fanciful daydreams and then snapping back to reality.

It captures the perfect interplay between the liberating feel of summer and the frustration of a distance that just won’t close.

Released as a single in June 2013, it was later included on the album “Love Story.” In 2019, it drew fresh attention when vocalist Iyori Shimizu performed a stripped-down version for Kirin Brewery’s Tanrei Green Label TV commercial.

If you want to relive the sweet-and-sour pangs of a one-sided crush, or you’re on your way to a summer event, this song will instantly lift your spirits.

And if you sing it with friends at karaoke, you’re guaranteed to get the whole room going in shared excitement!

NatsumiAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Natsumi / Kajitsu (Lyric Video)

This is the number by AKASAKI that gently accompanies the sudden wave of sentimentality that rises in your chest on a fading summer evening.

Released in September 2024 as their third single, its piano-centered sound evokes early-Heisei-era J-POP and stirs a sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics weave a beautiful story of the loss brought by a summer romance’s end and a lingering attachment to cherished days past.

The climax, where the singer reunites with “you” within a dreamlike vision, is sure to move listeners.

AKASAKI debuted in April 2024 with “Hikikomori,” and has since drawn attention with releases like “Namimakase.” It’s a gem to play at summer’s end, when you want to linger in a bittersweet afterglow.

Point of No ReturnCHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY “Point of No Return” Official Video

With a title that strikingly means “point of no return” in aviation terminology, this CHEMISTRY track blends lyrics that portray lingering attachment to an irretrievable past and the difficulty of moving forward with beautiful harmonies that resonate with a listener’s sentimental heart.

Released in June 2001, this gem of a ballad was also included on their debut album, The Way We Are.

It topped the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks and earned Double Platinum certification.

When you feel the loneliness at summer’s end or a sudden pang of wistfulness, this song will gently embrace you.

The Summer That Vanished Beyond the GlassŌsawa Yoshiyuki

Yoshiyuki Osawa – The Summer That Vanished Beyond the Glass

This is a ballad perfect for those moments at summer’s end, at dusk, when a fleeting memory of a past love suddenly tightens your chest.

Its melody, which stirs up beautiful memories like sepia-toned photographs you can no longer touch, is bittersweet yet warmly comforting.

Released in February 1986 as Masayuki Suzuki’s solo debut, it was also widely loved as the song used in Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles commercials.

It’s said to depict a world that continues the story from Yoshiyuki Ohsawa’s signature song, “Soshite Boku wa Tohō ni Kureru,” which he composed, revealing greater depth the more you listen.

On a sentimental night, this gentle tune may quietly nestle close to your heart.

A midsummer passing showerUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Midsummer Shower

A song that delicately weaves together the deep sorrow of losing someone precious and the love that still refuses to cease.

Like a gentle rain falling in the depths of the heart, it moves the listener—so quintessentially Hikaru Utada.

Included on the 2016 album Fantôme, this piece was released when Utada resumed musical activities after about eight years.

When you want something to quietly accompany the loneliness at summer’s end or those sudden pangs of wistfulness, this warm melody will envelop you.

On a night when you’re thinking of someone dear, why not listen closely?

fireworksOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Fireworks [Music Video]

Speaking of Hanako Oku, she sings many popular love songs, doesn’t she? Among them, this song has lyrics that make you look back on a summer romance as the season comes to an end.

When we think of summer, we think of beautiful fireworks, but in this song they’re portrayed with a deep sense of sadness.

The fireworks festival they went to before breaking up with his girlfriend… I’m sure many people can relate to the lyrics of this song.

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Hane Keisuke

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self-indulgenceAdachi Kana

Kana Adachi “Hitoriyogari” Music Video — Theme song for AbemaTV’s ‘Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita. Summer Vacation Edition’

This is a song by Kana Adachi that was chosen as the theme for AbemaTV’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation Edition.” It portrays a bittersweet first love experienced in summer.

Once this summer ends, we won’t be able to meet anymore—yet because you don’t say anything, I can’t say anything either.

There may be some circumstances, but the way these feelings slowly sink, blending into the summer scenery, is heartbreakingly sad.

A love that ends without being able to express your feelings stays unresolved and unforgettable, doesn’t it?

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sasashina

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