[J-Pop] Dark-themed songs by girl bands: haunting masterpieces that pierce the heart

Goodbye to youKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Goodbye to You] Music Video

Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece girls’ band from Osaka.

Released in October 2023, this song vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

On a sleepless night, the narrator reads a manga and finds that the protagonist resembles their ex, and in that instant, all the memories come flooding back.

Those bittersweet moments are woven with delicate words.

Its easy-listening guitar rock sound is another draw.

It’s a breakup song that has resonated with many listeners.

Merging into the darknessTogenashi Togeari

melt into the dark

Emotions melt and tear apart in the darkness of night.

This track, which sings that pain straight, is featured on the second album “Toge Nashi” (No Thorns).

Written and composed by Misty mint, its emotional guitars and driving drums capture the turbulence of feeling.

It’s a rock number that stays by your side when you’re burdened with unbearable loneliness or overwhelming emotions.

If you love band-driven sounds, be sure to give it a listen.

AlchemillaRīgaru Rirī

Legal Lily – “Alchemilla” Music Video

A song in which a clear, translucent voice quietly weaves a prayer for sleep and solace.

It is Regal Lily’s first anime tie-in work.

Released in October 2021 as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “86 -Eighty Six-.” Created with a small prayer that people striving to live in a merciless world may at least find peaceful rest, this piece extends a helping hand to those going through difficult days.

untitledtoukyou shoki shoudou

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Opening the EP “pink,” released in March 2024, this track stands out even among the collection of breakup-themed songs.

Written from the perspective of the one who was dumped, the lyrics intertwine a desire to disappear with a desperate wish to remain in the other person’s memory, tightening the listener’s chest.

When the pain of heartbreak feels unbearable, this song is sure to reach out its hand.

No way I’m going to forget it.SHISHAMO

Wasureteyarumonka

An emotional rock number by SHISHAMO that hurls the anger and sorrow of heartbreak straight at you.

Included on the album “SHISHAMO 6,” released in January 2020, this track stands out for its unique structure, unfolding from a reggae-flavored beat into intense rock.

The protagonist’s searing emotions—crying, throwing up, and still trying to live on—pierce the heart through Asako Miyazaki’s vocals.

It’s a work that transforms the anger of heartbreak into catharsis.

Tokyo ShampooHaze

Tokyo Shampoo

When your heart is worn out by the gap between ideals and reality, this song will surely hit home.

It’s a track by Haze, a girls’ band centered around KATY, included as the first song on their mini-album “glare,” released in August 2023.

SUZUKA’s repeating keyboard phrase leaves a strong impression, and KATY’s slightly husky vocals convey the emptiness of urban life with piercing clarity.

The lights and shadows of Tokyo, along with the understated performance that reveals more flavor the more you listen, seep into a tired heart.

Give it a try when you’re exhausted from chasing your ideals.

Tears of RegretSCANDAL

SCANDAL “Namida no Regret” / Namida no Regret ‐ Music Video

A medium-tempo ballad that delicately portrays the ache of longing and the pains of growing up.

Released by SCANDAL in July 2010 as their seventh single.

It depicts young people gradually becoming adults through a summer farewell.

Tears spilling behind smiles, two silhouettes reflected in a windowpane, and a small nod exchanged in place of “goodbye.” You can feel the emotions where bittersweet memories and regret intertwine.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to recall past love or friendship, or when you’re facing a parting with someone.