[Lingering Feelings and Regrets] A Love Song for You Who Can’t Forget Your Ex-Boyfriend

ArikaMarushii

Marcy – Arika (Official Music Video)

Marcy is a band that’s especially popular with Gen Z.

Released digitally in January 2023, this track is a gem of a ballad that was later included on the album Candle.

The word “Arika” in the title symbolizes the protagonist’s aching search for where happiness truly resides.

If you’ve ever found yourself looking for traces of someone even after a breakup, you’ll likely relate deeply.

Like the music video released in January 2023 featuring Nagi Hasegawa, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a winter night.

For those who can’t help but wish to go back to those days, it may stay close to your heart and offer a cleansing release through tears.

I don’t like it.yangusukinii

Young Skinny – I Don't Like You [Official Music Video]

A four-piece rock band formed by members who met on social media, Young Skinny, sings a song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman who can’t forget a past love.

She’s thrown away all the mementos to move on to her next relationship, yet the memories alone won’t fade, and she finds herself remembering him in unguarded moments—an experience many of us have had.

The more you tell yourself you’ve moved on, the more the memories stick.

For those who wonder, “Why can’t I just let go?”, this breakup song gently reassures: “Everyone feels this way.

You’ll be okay.”

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yuri

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MemoTakase Tōya

Toya Takase / Memorandum Self Cover Ver (Official Lyric Video)

As a “record for forgetting,” this song chronicles days with a former lover, yet the lingering attachment comes through with aching clarity.

Sung by Tōya Takase, this R&B ballad brings the reality of a lost love into sharp relief through vivid, everyday details of ordinary exchanges.

Wanting to go back but being unable to—the squeeze of that contradiction is hard to ignore.

Released in April 2021, the piece is a self-cover: originally written for a friend, then re-sung by Takase himself.

Its story of two people drawn together even after parting will quietly stay close to the heart of anyone hoping for reconciliation but unable to take that next step.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

We swore to love each other forever, yet now I’m all alone.

Even in this aching situation, I can’t let go of my gratitude and tender feelings for you.

This work, which sent shockwaves through the J-POP scene, is a masterpiece that portrays memories that keep shining even after a breakup, and a strong bond that can’t be cut.

Released as a single in May 2009 and also included on the album “Ring,” this song marked the beginning of the MiliShow era—a collaboration between Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

On lonely nights, I put on a brave face, but deep down I just want to cry.

Listening to it in moments like that can help you regain your honest feelings.

It’s a song for anyone who wishes they could start over.

Fall in love with me againYUTORI-SEDAI

Yutori Generation – Fall in Love Again [Official Music Video]

A song overflowing with pure feelings for a precious person you’ve parted ways with.

The three-piece rock band YUTORI-SEDAI, popular especially among young listeners, created it in 2021.

It portrays the aching heart that can’t forget even after a breakup.

Many will relate to the moments when you can’t help but recall the places you went on dates or the matching items you wore together.

It’s a rock ballad with a relaxed tempo and gently resonant guitar tones.

Let the tender vocals, which stay close to you on lonely, anxious nights, bring you comfort.

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mutō

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ex-darlingkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp – “ex Darling” (OFFICIAL AUDIO)

CreepHyp’s latest work warmly portrays lingering feelings for a lost love and days gone by.

With soft tones and a gentle melody, it’s a song that tenderly colors the memories of an unforgettable lover.

The straightforward expression of longing for a former partner quietly resonates with listeners.

Released in April 2022, this track was re-recorded to celebrate the band’s 10th major-label anniversary.

Listening to it while holding precious memories close may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

This is a song by wacci that portrays how the presence of an ex-lover lingers, seared into the heart.

While wishing to forget, the protagonist suffers as memories resurface in unguarded moments, captured through delicate lyrics.

Released in July 2024, the track is the third installment in wacci’s 2024 love song series.

Actress Aju Makita appears in the music video, deepening the expression of the song’s world.

It’s a piece that resonates with those carrying the pain of heartbreak or clinging to past love.

It might be nice to listen alone on a quiet night and take a moment to face your own feelings.