A breakup song by a Japanese girls’ band

The Night Before Goodbyeyayuyo

Yayuyo “The Eve of Goodbye” MV

A love song playing from an earphone with the left side silent, the wavering feelings of a protagonist facing farewell at an evening station.

It’s rare to find a song that captures the bittersweetness residing in such small, everyday moments so vividly.

Written by Riko, the vocalist of Yayuyo, as the first song she ever composed, it was released as a single in December 2019 and was later included on the following year’s mini-album “Yayuyo.” After surpassing one million views on YouTube, this track quickly spread the band’s name far and wide.

While it sketches the premonition of parting over a buoyant rhythm, it also subtly reveals the protagonist’s strength as they try to look ahead.

With its driving guitar-rock energy and approachable melody, it’s a song I especially want those who are hurting from heartbreak yet determined to move forward to hear.

Cold Flowerthe brilliant green

the brilliant green – Cold Flower (Live)

A weighty song that sings of an intense love and its end.

While many breakup songs are bright or sorrowful ballads, this track carries a distinctly mature air, and listening to it when you’re crushed by heartbreak might pull you into a negative mood.

It’s a breakup song for those who want to sink all the way down.

Kiseki RushGIRLFRIEND

GIRLFRIEND / Kiseki Rush MUSIC VIDEO

This is a cheer song by GIRLFRIEND, a girls’ band from Osaka.

While it’s an anthem of support, it’s also an unrequited love song that turns thoughts toward a guy who’s doing his best.

It’s an uplifting track that makes you believe in miracles and want to keep trying.

They’re a group of four still very young girls, so I hope they keep charging forward, believing in miracles!

The season of farewellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Season of Goodbyes”

A love song about a crush on an admired upperclassman, sung by the skilled three-piece band SHISHAMO.

Though the senior graduated before she could say anything, it beautifully captures a woman’s heart that refuses to let the love end.

The repeated phrase “senpai” in the chorus is filled with her feelings.

dilemmaspeena

speena – Dilemma

It’s a heartrending, maddening breakup song that pines for a past lover.

The lyrics have a vibe similar to what we’d now call “menhera,” but paired with a catchy yet wistful tune, it really hits you in the chest.

It didn’t quite become a hit, but even now, it’s a masterpiece.

I want to burn out.Kino Kohoteru

Kino no Ko Hotel “I Want to Burn Out” PV Full – kinocohotel –

A very psychedelic love song by Kinoko Hotel, whose members all sport mushroom cuts.

It’s a rock number with an addictive melody that also evokes classic Showa-era kayōkyoku.

The mature lyrics, which portray the feelings of a forward, assertive woman, are also a highlight.

I want to hug you.PINK SAPPHIRE

[Official] PINK SAPPHIRE “I Want to Hold You” (Music Video) Pink Sapphire / Dakishimetai (2nd single)

This is a signature song by PINK SAPPHIRE, a girls’ band that became extremely popular after appearing on the music show “Ika-Ten.” It’s a love song expressing yearning for a boyfriend who moved to Tokyo.

There was such a cool girls’ band in the early ’90s—and it still sounds fresh today.