Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
In the history of J-pop, countless heartbreak songs have been born.
Japanese listeners in particular tend to favor music that evokes melancholy and poignancy, so songs with heart-wrenching lyrics paired with arrangements that heighten those emotions are cherished as timeless classics across eras.
With that in mind, here we’ll introduce breakup songs sung by male artists, released roughly between 2011 and 2024—the years that likely defined Gen Z’s youth.
We’ve compiled a wide-ranging list that includes songs from a male perspective, those written from a female point of view, and even darker, more macabre takes—so don’t miss it!
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- For men in their 30s: Heart-touching breakup songs—masterpieces that can move grown men to tears
Breakup songs sung by male artists that I'd recommend to Gen Z (1–10)
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
A song whose heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
Released in September 2018, it was featured as the campaign song for “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!”.
It symbolically portrays the delicate emotions of lovers facing a breakup through falling cherry blossom petals.
High-profile collaborations with artists like Aimyon and Suga Shikao also drew attention.
The lyrics, depicting incomplete feelings and relationships that don’t progress, evoke the sensation of reading a novel.
It’s a recommended track for those experiencing the pain of heartbreak or the frustration of an unfulfilled romance.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
As a song that portrays the poignant scene of heartbreak, this number has captured the hearts of many listeners.
Since its release in October 2015, it has become an indispensable presence in the J-POP scene and can be considered one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature works.
Included on the album “Bremen,” the track delicately expresses lingering feelings for a former lover, resonating deeply with those who hear it.
While the melody line is simple, Yonezu’s richly emotive vocals enhance the song’s appeal.
It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of lost love or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Dried flowersYuuri
This song portrays the bittersweet emotions of choosing to part ways from a woman’s perspective, and it is the second major digital-only single, released in October 2020.
The complex feelings toward a former lover are conveyed through Yuuri’s vocals and the sound of the acoustic guitar.
The track sparked huge buzz, surpassing 1 billion streams and achieving a triple crown on the Billboard Japan Year-End charts in 2021.
With lyrics that anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to and an emotional vocal performance that strikes a chord, it’s a ballad you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
Breakup songs sung by male artists that I'd recommend to Gen Z (11–20)
Happy Endingback number
Back number is a three-piece rock band that has gained popularity for their poignant lyrics that vividly evoke scenes and a vocal style that amplifies that world.
Released in November 2016, this song was chosen as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s a melancholic ballad with an impressive structure that shifts from a depth-rich arrangement featuring strings to a guitar-driven sound.
The story, which portrays the pain of a long-distance relationship and the struggle of parting, conveys the sorrow and loneliness of being unable to express one’s feelings until the very last moment.
For anyone who has experienced heartbreak, it’s a heartrending yet beautiful love ballad that will likely bring tears.
catDISH//
This song weaves a bittersweet tale of heartbreak, carrying a message that resonates deeply with listeners.
Its unique expression of likening a former lover to a cat is striking, vividly portraying feelings of loss and emptiness.
Released in August 2017, the track was reportedly inspired by the film “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” and created by singer-songwriter Aimyon.
Packed with DISH//’s charm, it has become a karaoke staple.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or overcome a farewell with someone important.
Highly recommended for those who find themselves connecting with delicate emotional expression.
Stars are falling.Senchimirimentaru
This is a winter ballad that sings of lingering feelings for a former lover.
Released by Centimillimental in November 2025, the song was written as the commercial theme for the Laguna Illumination “Carnival of Light and Water,” held at the Laguna Ten Bosch resort in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture.
Grand piano-and-strings arrangements are layered with Atsushi’s delicate vocals to paint a poignant world where longing and bravado intersect.
The protagonist, torn between wishing happiness for the person they parted from and emotions that won’t fade, resonates powerfully alongside the image of lights pouring down the winter night sky.
It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone trying to face forward after a heartbreak.
a May flyRADWIMPS
It’s a song that lays bare intense hatred, showcasing the wide range of RADWIMPS’ musicality.
Included on their 16th single released in October 2013, it captured the hearts of many listeners.
The lyrics, written by vocalist Yojiro Noda, are extremely raw and include provocative expressions, which may not be for everyone.
However, that rawness conveys genuine emotion, making it a profoundly deep track.
It’s recommended for those dealing with complex romantic feelings or music fans seeking a powerful, lasting impression.