[2026] Recommended for Men in Their 40s! A Collection of Classic Japanese Breakup Songs

excuseSha ran Q

Sharan Q 'Excuse'

A quintessential 90s rock ballad that powerfully voices a man’s aching heart.

This is the 10th single by Sharam Q, the rock band led by Tsunku♂, who is also known as a music producer.

While spouting selfish excuses, the protagonist’s inability to sever his lingering attachment to the lover who left is portrayed over a wistful melody.

Released in April 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Age, 35 Koishikute,” won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards, and cemented the band’s popularity.

It’s a gem of a breakup song that makes you want to pour your emotions into it at karaoke.

The Door of TimeWANDS

WANDS Door of Time (Toki no Tobira) Live!

It was released in 1993 as WANDS’ fourth single.

The song was issued as an advance single from their second album, “Toki no Tobira,” and became a million seller.

It was used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s drama “Neo Drama.” The lyrics depict a breakup ballad from the perspective of a man who can’t move on, recalling his ex-girlfriend when he looks at old photos or the gifts he received.

I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN

I Don’t Want to Let Go

Released in 1991 as T-BOLAN’s second single.

It was a single cut from their first album, “T-BOLAN,” and became the song that ignited their popularity.

The lyrics, which depict a man’s lingering feelings and his love for the woman he cherishes, resonate deeply.

It’s a masterpiece that makes women’s hearts skip a beat when sung by a man.

Don’t forget.DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Don’t Forget

This is the 10th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in October 1991.

It was also included on the album MILLION KISSES, released the following month, which became a huge hit and was certified 2× Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The lyrics dwell on lingering feelings for a former lover, and the heartfelt plea—“Even if you hate me, please don’t forget me”—is deeply moving.

It’s a ballad that gently wraps the pain of parting.

See you againSEAMO

SEAMO “Mata Aimashou” 15th Anniversary ver. Music Video (Full)

Released in 2006 as SEAMO’s fourth single.

It spread through word of mouth and radio airplay, becoming a long-running hit.

The song was chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle,” and SEAMO made his first appearance at the 2006 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Though it’s a breakup song filled with sadness and loneliness, it’s an uplifting track that suggests both people will walk new paths and hopefully meet again someday.

After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – After the Festival (Short ver.)

Released in 1994 as Keisuke Kuwata’s fifth single.

It was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Shizukanaru Don” and as the song for the Kirin “JIVE” commercial in which Kuwata himself appeared.

Many listeners can relate to the lyrics, which candidly portray a heartbroken man becoming self-destructive or crying alone in his dreams—showing his helpless state just as it is.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

Yasushi Nakanishi / Last Rain [Official Music Video]

Released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single.

It was chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and, despite peaking at No.

16 on the Oricon chart, it became a long-running hit.

Today, it is regarded as a classic that has been covered by many artists.

It remains Nakanishi’s biggest hit and enjoys enduring popularity in karaoke.