My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z

I LOVE YOUkurisu haato

Chris Hart – I LOVE YOU

A heart-stirring ballad that poignantly sings of a love growing cold.

Released in February 2014 as Chris Hart’s first original single, the song is known as the theme for the ACE JTB TV commercial.

While cherishing the happy memories with a lover, it vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of drifting apart.

Though American-born, Hart masterfully conveys the delicate nuances of Japanese and delivers a warm vocal that resonates deeply with listeners.

Scenes of memories unfolding with the changing seasons—like springtime cherry-blossom viewing and winter kisses indoors—further heighten the ache of heartbreak.

It’s a song that gently supports those who have lost someone precious or who are seeking closure.

Everyday Revolutionneguse.

Neguse. “Everyday Revolution” Official Music Video

A poignant ballad that delicately portrays how everyday life is transformed in the wake of heartbreak.

The once-peaceful morning scenes and the warm days spent together turn into time steeped in sorrow after the breakup, expressed over a gentle melody.

Featured on the album “With Love to Wonderland!” released in September 2022, the song garnered widespread attention with its drama-style music video and became a major hit.

It’s a track that quietly stays by the side of anyone who has experienced parting with a loved one and is struggling with a heart that feels like it might break.

humorKitanitatsuya

Humor / Tatsuya Kitani – You More / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani’s new film theme song, which infuses humor into the process of getting over heartbreak, is generating buzz.

Created to accompany the film “Yukite Kaeranu,” slated for release in February 2025, the piece carries a deep respect for the literature of poet Chuya Nakahara.

It gently portrays the longing for someone’s playful voice when tears seem on the verge of falling in a lonely night, and the way sadness is softened with jokes.

Suzu Hirose, who stars in the film, praised it as “a wonderful balance that leaves a lingering aftertaste while also evoking a different worldview.” It’s a song that quietly stays close to those who, even while bearing the pain of loss, are trying to look forward.

Goodbye, my loverKoresawa

Koresawa “Goodbye, Lover” [Lyric Video]

A poignant love ballad by Koresawa that delicately portrays the protagonist’s aching feelings after an unexpected heartbreak against the backdrop of an after-school sunset.

Vivid scenes capture her hurrying home while holding back tears, the unfulfilled wish to walk hand in hand, and how memories with her lover fade one by one—like the movie they had promised to see together finally being released.

Released in November 2022, the song was selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Love music” in December.

It is also included on the album “Kawaiku Shinagara Matterune” and was performed with a full band arrangement live.

This is a song that stays close to the pain of heartbreak while supporting the resolve to move forward, step by step.

Don’t appear.rikon densetsu

Divorce Densetsu – Don’t Appear (Official Music Video)

While lingering memories of sweet kisses and hugs remain, this song by Rikon Densetsu delicately portrays the complex emotions of a woman unsettled by her partner’s ambiguous behavior.

The lyrics, which wish “let’s never meet again” even as she still yearns for them, convey a poignant mix of lingering attachment and resolve.

The nostalgic, mellow sound and Ayumu Matsuda’s clear, translucent vocals further heighten the sense of wistfulness.

Released digitally in January 2024, the track was also performed at their solo show at Zepp Shinjuku, captivating the audience.

It’s a song that empathizes with those trying to put an end to a past romance and gives them the courage to take a new step forward.

Why feat. Emimi NodaTakase Tōya

Takuya Takase / Why feat. Emi Noda (Official Music Video)

A heartbreak ballad distinguished by a beautiful, soul-stirring melody.

Toya Takase’s emotional vocals and Emi Noda’s clear voice brilliantly capture the bittersweet feelings after a breakup.

Released digitally in January 2022 and included on the album “13-gatsu 1-nichi” (The First Day of the 13th Month), this song resonated with many listeners who relate to the joys of love and the pain of parting, drawing attention on charts across Asia.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels the loneliness that deepens at night or the emptiness of losing someone dear.

Act like an adult.suisou gurashi

Suisougurashi “Pretending to Be Grown-Up.” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song that portrays the complex emotions of a woman who goes to meet someone on the last train at midnight.

Released by Suisougurashi in March 2022, the song delicately captures the feelings of a woman swept up in an adult romance.

Set to jazzy sounds and a catchy melody, it vividly depicts her inner conflict as she keeps the relationship going by hiding her true self to suit the other person’s convenience.

With a clear, translucent vocal, it expresses a woman wavering between her straightforward affection and the anxiety of losing her sense of self.

A song that offers comfort to those hurting from unrequited love or heartbreak.