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

Goodbye Busyuzu

Yuzu 'Sayonara Bus' PV

Sayonara Bus,” a breakup song that vividly captures a parting scene, is one of Yuzu’s signature early tracks.

Set to sprightly acoustic guitar and harmonica, it portrays the poignant moment when two people wait for a bus and say goodbye.

The delicate depiction of hearts drifting apart without ever quite opening up makes your chest tighten every time you listen.

Released as a single in March 1999, it was later included on the classic album “Yuzuen.” Without a major tie-in, the song spread on the strength of the music itself, touching many listeners’ hearts.

The sound, with Yohito Teraoka participating as producer, and the duo’s harmonies remain as fresh as ever.

Why not give it a listen when you want to look back on a faint, youthful love and gently sit with those slightly bittersweet memories?

Before you become a memorysupittsu

Before You Become a Memory / Spitz

A ballad that represents Spitz’s early years, portraying the earnest moments of two people nearing a breakup with a beautiful melody.

Released in October 1993 as a re-cut single from the album “Crispy!”, this song was used as the theme for the lifestyle program “Motto Suteki ni!” and is also known for being the band’s first entry on the Oricon charts.

In 1997, it was featured in a commercial for Ajinomoto gift sets, and it has been cherished ever since.

The lyrics capture the helpless loneliness and gentle gaze before the “you” by one’s side becomes a distant presence—feelings that might seize your heart.

Why not listen quietly on a night when you want to get sentimental and reflect on past loves?

IT’S ONLY LOVEFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – IT’S ONLY LOVE (Full ver.)

This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature numbers, which became widely known in living rooms across Japan as the commercial song for DyDo Drinco’s “DyDo Blend Coffee,” and marked his first million-selling hit.

Released in March 1994, it also achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Oricon Weekly Chart for four consecutive weeks.

Despite its refreshingly rock-flavored sound, the lyrics reveal lingering attachment and a sense of loss toward a former lover, making it a heartbreak song where the more bravado you show, the more the sadness wells up.

Arranged by Makoto Saito to sit in a comfortable vocal range, it’s also appealing in how easy it is to sing with feeling.

It’s a classic I recommend when you want to look forward while reflecting on a past love, or when you want to belt it out at karaoke and feel refreshed.

Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Snow Smile"

When the winter cold deepens, there’s that aching ballad you just can’t help but want to hear.

At first it seems to paint a scene of a happy couple, only to make you realize that “you” are no longer by their side—the tear-jerking structure is simply brilliant.

Many listeners will likely overlay that image of warming hands together in a pocket with their own faint memories.

It’s a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a band of childhood friends from Chiba Prefecture, released in December 2002 as their fifth single.

Although it didn’t have a specific tie-in, its universal lyrical worldview earned it widespread support.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for a night when you want to quietly look back on a past love, drinking alone and letting yourself sink into the mood.

Don’t Leave MeB’z

B’z / Don’t Leave Me

This is a track whose lyrics vividly portray an unavoidable farewell with a gripping sense of urgency, set to a heavy blues-rock sound that hits you right in the chest.

From the intro, where the blues harp tugs at your heartstrings, you’re instantly drawn into its world.

The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s vulnerability and are sure to resonate deeply with men nursing the pain of heartbreak.

Released in February 1994 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “New Airport Story,” it was later included on the album “The 7th Blues.” Marking a sharp turn from their earlier pop-leaning style to a harder musical approach, this work became a pivotal turning point in the band’s history.

Many who heard it in their youth were likely blown away by Matsumoto’s guitar and Inaba’s vocals.

It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to play on nights when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of a bittersweet past love.

Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu

Tears' Kiss [2024 Remaster]

Released in July 1992, this was Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single.

It was written as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta,” which caused a sensation at the time with its unforgettable character Fuyuhiko-san, and many viewers likely looked forward to each weekly broadcast.

The lyrics, written entirely in Japanese, vividly portray an unbridgeable distance and lingering attachment to the other person, and Keisuke Kuwata’s wistful vocals are sure to bring tears.

As a lead single from the album “Yoni Manyou no Hana ga Saku Nari,” the song is no doubt deeply etched in memory alongside the drama.

On nights when you feel as if there’s a hole in your heart, why not listen and let yourself sink into those quietly overflowing emotions?

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that poignant piano intro begins, many of you may feel your memories from that time come rushing back.

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who continues to captivate countless fans with his overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive artistry.

Written as the theme song for the 2004 film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” it became a historic hit, topping the year-end charts.

The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of mourning a lost lover and the resolve to go on loving them in memory, never fail to bring listeners to tears.

Also included on the album “SENTIMENTALovers,” this ballad gently accompanies the heart of a man living on while carrying an unforgettable love.

On a night when you want to quietly lose yourself in memories alone, give it a listen.