Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
From around the 1990s through the 2010s, countless timeless songs were released in the Heisei music scene.
Among them were many heartbreak songs, and I’m sure many of you have been listening to them ever since they first came out.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of those Heisei-era heartbreak songs all at once.
We’ve chosen tracks that carry a nostalgic feel—ones that will bring back memories from those days when you listen.
If you lived through that era, please enjoy them while reminiscing.
And if you’re from a younger generation and didn’t experience that time, we encourage you to take your time listening while reading the lyrics.
- Breakup songs that were hits in the 2000s
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- [Female Heartbreak Song] A soul-stirring song dedicated to you, who loved with all your heart.
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
- Guaranteed Tearjerker for Men! Japanese Breakup Songs Depicted from a Male Perspective [2026]
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Recommended breakup songs by male artists for the Yutori generation
Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the 1990s to the 2010s (1–10)
SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s song “SEASONS,” also known for being her first track used as a TV drama theme, is considered one of her “Despair Trilogy.” It’s famous for the music video in which Hamasaki appears wearing mourning attire.
Depicting the anguish of being caught between ideals and reality, the song is also popular as a heartbreak anthem.
Back then, weren’t there many women who got through painful breakups by listening to this song? Though it’s a sorrowful track, the determination not to give up expressed at the end is quintessentially Ayumi Hamasaki—strong at her core.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
“Time goes by” is the best-selling single by Every Little Thing and a quintessential Heisei-era hit, serving as the theme song for the drama “Amai Kekkon” and featuring in multiple commercials.
It opens with an intro that carries a hint of loneliness, and Kaori Mochida’s clear, beautiful vocals further heighten the song’s poignant mood.
The lyrics depict a couple who once loved each other but gradually fell out of sync and broke up, conveying both the pain of separation and the moving determination to move forward beyond it.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s “First Love” is a heartfelt song about an unforgettable, beloved lover.
Released in 1999, it first appeared as a track on an album of the same name and was later released as a single.
It experienced a resurgence after the 2022 drama “First Love” was streamed, a series inspired by this song and by “Hatsukoi.” Your ex might slip back into everyday life right away, but I still can’t contain my sadness… It’s a breakup song that resonates with many who’ve endured a painful farewell to someone they loved.
Heartbreak songs of the Heisei era: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s (11–20)
nape (of the neck)aiko
Situations where words and actions that were your utmost expression of affection end up being a heavy burden for the other person can happen to many couples.
After experiencing a heartbreak like the one portrayed in the lyrics of “Eriashi,” there are surely many who realize they hadn’t truly been attuned to their partner’s feelings.
Even if that person doesn’t come back, you can use this experience as nourishment and move forward to your next relationship.
Let’s listen to Aiko’s gentle voice, thank the lover who taught us something important, and keep moving forward with a positive mindset!
Blue BenchSasuke
For those who spent their youth around the mid-Heisei era, many can probably still sing Sasuke’s “Aoi Bench” without looking at the lyrics.
Hearing the humble accompaniment of harmonica and acoustic guitar, along with the gentle, refreshing vocals layered over it, surely brings back nostalgic memories for many.
The lyrics are set on the day of a class reunion held long after graduation, and express lingering feelings for a former partner from student days.
I think many people can relate to the regret of not being able to convey their feelings properly.
You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S
After a heartbreak, have you ever thought, “If it’s going to hurt this much, I wish I could erase all my memories of the person I loved”? FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ “Mou Kimi ga Inai” portrays the gut-wrenching loneliness and pain felt at the moment of parting and in the days that follow.
Even if a small trigger brings back memories of the great love you received and the days when you were happy together, those times will not return.
Perhaps it takes many years before a broken heart can be tucked away as a cherished memory deep inside.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
“Tada… Aitakute” (I Just… Want to See You) is a song from EXILE’s Chapter 1 era, when ATSUSHI and SHUN served as vocalists.
For those who spent their student years in the 2000s, listening to EXILE may bring back feelings from their youth.
The lyrics express lingering feelings of sorrow and heartache, and many people likely listened to this song repeatedly after a breakup.
EXILE is strongly associated with ballads, and this track helped cement that image.