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!
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Women Artists Only] Breakup Songs Recommended for Gen Z
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [2026] Recommended for Men in Their 40s! A Collection of Classic Japanese Breakup Songs
- Recommended love songs for men: A collection of classic hits that sing about men's love
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- 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)
wishsumika
A sumika song that paints a bittersweet love against a winter backdrop.
Using snow and cold as symbols, it delicately expresses the anguish and hopes of an unfulfilled love.
Released in December 2019 as part of a double A-side single, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.” Its pop-rock foundation is layered with warm vocals, resulting in a moving, memorable track.
It’s a number that embodies sumika’s characteristic warmth, offering comfort to those who, while burdened by the pain of heartbreak, are trying to look forward.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band that captivates fans with lyrics depicting real, down-to-earth stories and a slightly husky high-tone voice.
The songs on their fifth major mini-album, “Lazy Sunday,” feature lyrics written from a woman’s perspective that really tug at the heartstrings.
Even amid complicated relationships, the lyrics paint scenes where feelings can’t be resisted—if you’ve been through something similar, you may find them overlapping with your own memories.
It’s a nostalgic rock tune whose dramatic arrangement accelerates its sentimental storyline.
YouNEW!WILD BLUE
Released as their eighth single in March 2026, this song by the boy group WILD BLUE is a medium-tempo ballad written as the theme for the drama “Bad Choice, Good Love.” Its melody blends warmth with poignancy, creating a comforting number that sings about embracing regret and lingering feelings in love while finding the resolve to move forward.
It’s the kind of song many listeners will inevitably relate to their own experiences.
A work we hope you’ll listen to when you want to overcome the pain of heartbreak.
Maybe it didn’t have to be you after all.yangusukinii
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.
Blueberry Nightsmakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu, whose delicately crafted songs of wistfulness have won strong support especially among younger listeners, present this track from their 4th mini-album “hope,” which was also selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s program “Baguette” in March.
Its relaxed tempo and emotional sound underscore the pain of heartbreak and a sense of loneliness.
Written from a female perspective, the lyrics center on the helplessness of a relationship in which love is cooling and the poignancy of approaching closure, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in February 2019, this song beautifully captures the bittersweetness and ache of youth—an utterly relatable piece.
evening primroseNovelbright
A digital distribution-only single by the five-piece rock band Novelbright, selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on the information program “Tokudane!”.
Surpassing 100 million streams, this track is a dramatic ballad featuring an arrangement centered on piano and strings, layered with the band’s sound.
The lyrics, which depict feelings for an unforgettable lover, combined with the aching high-tone vocals, are truly heart-wrenching.
It’s an emotional love song we want you to listen to when you’ve lost someone dear.
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
A song that skillfully captures the pain of unrequited love, it’s known as one of KANA-BOON’s signature works.
It was a standout track from their indie days and became a turning point that led to their breakthrough.
Released in April 2013, it was featured across various media.
The music video stars actress Yukino Kishii, whose performance also drew attention.
While rooted in rock, the track blends pop melodies with a catchy rhythm, leaving a strong impression on listeners.
It’s perfect for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or is struggling with love.
A number you’ll want to belt out at karaoke to let all your feelings out.