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

Maybe it didn’t have to be you after all.yangusukinii

Young Skinny – Maybe It Didn’t Have to Be You [Official Music Video]

A rock number by Young Skinny that puts into raw words the end of an ambiguous relationship and the self-loathing that crashes over you after a breakup.

The lyrics spun by Kayu speak not in pretty platitudes but carve out the pain of love, likely striking deep in listeners’ hearts.

Included on their major-label 1st EP, “Donna Koto ni Demo Shiawase o Kanji Rukoto ga Dekita Nara,” released in September 2023, it also drew attention as the opening theme for the drama “When the Intercom Rings.” This track rides muddy, swamp-like emotions atop a driving guitar-rock sound, promising to gently stay close to you on nights when your feelings won’t neatly add up.

It’s a must-listen for anyone caught in a restless, unsettling romance or still nursing the wounds of heartbreak.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

A song by the five-piece rock band Novelbright, known for their strikingly clear high-tone vocals.

The melancholy piano tones and band sound add an even more heartrending hue to the story told in the lyrics.

The complex emotions felt after parting with someone precious are conveyed through a delicate melodic line.

Released in December 2020 as a digital-only single, the track was also selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” in February.

It’s an emotional piece you’ll want to listen to when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or reminisce about someone important.

First love is cryingaimyon

Aimyon – First Love Is Crying [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A song by the female singer-songwriter Aimyon, who captivates a wide range of listeners with lyrics packed with unique imagery and wordplay, set to music that carries a certain nostalgic tone.

Released in June 2022 as her 13th single, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “What’s Wrong with Being Serious About Love?”.

The lyrics, which personify the bittersweet memories of a first love, are likely to resonate with many people.

It’s a refreshing yet wistful love song that can evoke nostalgia even for older listeners.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

A second single by the four-piece piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, whose poignant lyrics and memorable melody strike straight to the heart.

Released in May 2019 as the theme song for The Confidence Man JP: The Movie, it brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene.

The protagonist, who strives to move forward while grappling with complex emotions, is sure to resonate with many people troubled by love.

It’s a perfect track for a drive, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Also recommended when you’re feeling the pain of heartbreak, this is a new-era classic.

playing loversmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Pretend Lovers' MV

A heartrending song that depicts the end of an unstable relationship where “I’m home” and “Goodbye” intersect.

Performed by Macaroni Empitsu, a band made up of music conservatory graduates, it was released digitally in February 2020 and was also featured in a Spotify campaign.

Though the relationship is essentially over, the two continue to act like lovers.

As the line “Just one more time” repeats, the protagonist’s exhausted heart drags the relationship along, and their pain comes through vividly.

It’s a song that makes you acknowledge the part of yourself that wants to forget but can’t—the flawed self living with that conflict.

For those who can’t break free from a lingering, regret-filled love.

tear(s)Marushii

Marcy – Tears (Official Music Video)

A love ballad that portrays the ache of heartbreak in stark contrast to the dazzling summer sun.

It’s a work released in August 2025 by the rock band Marcy, known for down-to-earth lyrics that resonate.

Memories of love told in the past tense and words detailing feelings that will never reach their destination shake the listener’s heart.

Skillful metaphors—like the pain of memories lingering as sensations in the body and a future that was never opened—reflect the protagonist’s earnest emotions and are sure to bring tears.

The song is slated to be included on their third original album, set for release in November 2025, which will also feature Aozora, the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly on nights when you want to immerse yourself in unforgettable memories of love.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A poignant ballad by back number that quietly sings of lingering feelings and a sense of loss for a former lover.

Released in October 2011 as their third single, the song is also included on the album “Superstar,” which came out the same month.

The lyrics portray the emptiness of days that keep going even after losing the most important person in the world, and the deep bond in which the two formed halves of each other.

Fear of memories of the other fading intertwines with the resignation that they will eventually be forgotten, and the realization that the time spent with the person was part of oneself wells up with aching tenderness.

A song that offers comfort to anyone who has lost someone dear.