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 (11–20)
PerfumeEito
A signature song by singer-songwriter Eito that powerfully conveys the pain of heartbreak over a wistful melody.
The lyrics, which depict memories of an ex-lover evoked by the scent of perfume, deeply resonate with listeners.
Released in April 2019 as a digital-only single, it went viral on social media in 2020, topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100, and even led to a performance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
This work captures the complex emotions of a man who can’t get over his breakup—truly a Gen Z heartbreak anthem.
Why not belt it out at karaoke and blow away the sting of lost love?
periodIshizaki Hyuui
A song by singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki that vividly captures the pain of heartbreak.
Centered on the themes of a bittersweet farewell and a new beginning, the spring-infused lyrics truly resonate.
With a piano-and-strings ensemble and an emotional melody, it’s sure to move many listeners.
The music video features actor Masaki Suda, who portrays a man in tears after a breakup, visually conveying the wistfulness of the lyrics.
It’s a recommended track for those looking to heal the pain of a broken heart or gather their feelings before starting anew.
Passing smiles, a goodbye kissA.B.C-Z
Released in September 2025 as the second installment of a three-month consecutive release, this track is a mid-tempo number written and composed by the rock band LEGO BIG MORL.
It’s a bittersweet love song that echoes the lineage of the group’s past works, marked by a nostalgic melody and emotive vocals.
The lyrics delicately depict hearts growing apart despite their physical closeness, foreshadowing the end of a romance and evoking a poignant ache.
Dramatic and romantic J-pop.
one grainwacci
A ballad that wraps the meaning of tears shed at the moment of parting in the tones of piano and strings.
Written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi and arranged by Hajime Inaba, the single “Hitotsubu,” released in October 2025, explores the end of a romance.
The lyrics are superb, imbuing each individual tear with a different emotion, and the way farewells, memories, a protected future, and a lost everyday life intersect is truly moving.
If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, this one will hit you hard.
The taste of loveneguse.
A digital-only single released in November 2025.
In contrast to the lively pop-rock they excel at, this one is crafted as a mid-tempo slow number.
The lyrics look back on a relationship that has already ended, poignantly blending the regret of wishing they’d been more honest about their feelings at the time with the certainty that they were truly happy.
It’s a track that makes you want to revisit past loves—perfect for the chill of the season.
NO MORE YOUA.B.C-Z
A straight-up dance track that portrays the emotional momentum of moving on from heartbreak.
Opening the album “CRAZY ROMANTIC!” released in October 2025, this song pairs a revivalist synth sound inspired by ’90s–’00s J-pop with a four-on-the-floor beat for a satisfying finish.
That soundscape lifts the lyrics’ push-and-pull between bravado and lingering attachment into something light and buoyant.
Give it a listen when you’re ready to put a period on a past love, step into a new you, or simply look forward with positivity.
Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z (21–30)
rendezvousshaitoopu
Released by Shitope in April 2023, this work is a song that vividly captures the emotions of a man right after a breakup.
With relatable yet distinctive metaphors—like losing his appetite and finding that even cream-filled bread has no taste—it sharply highlights the pain of separation.
The languid, sweet vocals and expansive choral work resonate as if enveloping the bittersweet ache of heartbreak.
It topped Spotify’s Viral Chart and has surpassed 300 million total streams.
It’s a track that deeply comforts those who have just lost someone precious and are not yet ready to accept reality.