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

DarlingSuda Keina

Keina Suda – Darling (Music Video)

An emotional song by Keina Suda that powerfully portrays a fleeting yet earnest longing for love.

It expresses one-sided devotion, the pain of not being accepted, and feelings of self-denial, all conveyed through an addictive melody and delicate vocals.

Released in January 2023, the music video—created in collaboration with illustrator Avogado6—garnered attention for its innovative visual beauty that blends animation with live action.

It’s a song that gently resonates with those struggling with dependency and inner conflict in love, or with the heartache of not being accepted by the one they care for.

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.

Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.

As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.

passing by each otherSoala

Soala – Passing Each Other [Official Music Video]

A heartrending love song by Soala that delicately portrays the clumsy emotions of falling in love.

It beautifully captures the fragile moment of parting born from the inability to be honest with the one you love.

Many will relate to the protagonist, who regrets their actions even as they recognize their excessive possessiveness and self-centered behavior.

Released in July 2023, the song drew attention with its airy vocals and comfortable R&B vibe, racking up 20 million streams in just six months.

The warm voice that seems to wrap around a troubled heart and the down-to-earth lyrics truly resonate.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who has ever caused distance by caring too much, or who is struggling with their relationship with a beloved partner.

Yorunagi feat. nishinaindigo la End

indigo la End – Night Calm feat. nishina

It’s a piece whose delicate melody, as if capturing a quiet winter night, resonates in the heart.

While preserving indigo la End’s unchanging kindness and warmth, the collaboration with nishina adds a new allure.

Set to be included on the album “MOLTING AND DANCING,” scheduled for release on January 29, 2025, this track envelops you in a gentle atmosphere that soothes the fatigue of everyday life.

The guitar’s transparent tone and the vocals woven over a relaxed rhythm leave a pure, beautiful impression like a winter night sky.

It’s a song that stays close to you when you want to slowly calm your mind at the end of a busy day or quietly face yourself in a tranquil moment.

Bad personsenritsu kannano

Kano Kanaru “Bad Person” M/V

A gem of a love song that beautifully captures the complex emotions of a woman torn by a forbidden love, with a heartrending vocal and delicate lyrics.

Kayayu from Young Skinny—a favorite among Gen Z—wrote the song, and Kanano Senritsu delivers a fragile, poignant performance.

Since its release in September 2024, it has resonated on social media, delicately depicting the turmoil of a woman who forgives even as she recognizes her partner’s lies, and the ache of memories that resurface with the changing seasons.

Its universal lyrics invite anyone struggling in love to see themselves in the story.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those overwhelmed by complicated feelings for someone who can’t exactly be called a good person.

tragic heroineMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Tragic Heroine

Told from the perspective of a woman visiting her ex, My Hair is Bad’s song vividly portrays a heart caught between lingering attachment and the bravado of not wanting to admit weakness.

It depicts someone masking unresolved feelings with a smile, while lyrics that lay bare tangled emotions will resonate with anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.

Blending energetic band instrumentation with an impassioned vocal performance, the track was released in February 2024 and later included on the July album “ghosts.” As a song that captures the delicate nuances of the pain of a breakup and longing for an ex, it’s a perfect listen when you want to confront your own feelings.

I can’t bring myself to hate (you/it).ren

Ren – Can't Bring Myself to Hate You (Music Video)

A work that sings of emotions born in the space between loss and lingering attachment.

Even when cornered into a situation where they can’t help but depend on the other person, their love is so deep they can’t even bring themselves to hate them.

Ren’s clear, translucent vocals capture that aching feeling beautifully.

The lyrics vividly portray the subtle, complex emotions hidden deep in the heart, creating a worldview that truly resonates.

Released in September 2021, this piece is also known as Ren’s debut song.

Its delicate, acoustic guitar–driven arrangement enhances the poignancy of the vocals.

It’s a song that stays with you when you’re suffering from lingering attachment or obsession toward someone you love, or when you love them so much you can’t let go.