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
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- 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
Heartbreak songs of the Heisei era: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s (11–20)
Don’t Leave MeB’z
This is a track whose lyrics vividly portray an unavoidable farewell with a gripping sense of urgency, set to a heavy blues-rock sound that hits you right in the chest.
From the intro, where the blues harp tugs at your heartstrings, you’re instantly drawn into its world.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s vulnerability and are sure to resonate deeply with men nursing the pain of heartbreak.
Released in February 1994 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “New Airport Story,” it was later included on the album “The 7th Blues.” Marking a sharp turn from their earlier pop-leaning style to a harder musical approach, this work became a pivotal turning point in the band’s history.
Many who heard it in their youth were likely blown away by Matsumoto’s guitar and Inaba’s vocals.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to play on nights when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of a bittersweet past love.
Stop this nightJUJU
That the words “I love you” could sound sadder than “goodbye”…
JUJU, a singer who resonates with many women, released this as her 15th single in November 2010.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama Guilty: The Woman Who Made a Pact with the Devil, starring Miho Kanno.
This R&B-tinged ballad conveys a heartfelt wish to stop time even as a breakup feels inevitable.
The dramatic strings and her velvety vocals are sure to bring tears.
If you can’t let go of a love that’s ended, why not try listening to this song for a little emotional detox?
Because… feat. Maiko NakamuraLGYankees
LGYankees is a hip-hop unit based in Sendai that gained popularity with their melodious rap style.
Their track “Because…,” included on the album NO DOUBT!!! -NO LIMIT- released in September 2008, became a hot topic for featuring Maiko Nakamura, who was a newcomer at the time.
The lyrics, which vividly portray lingering feelings for an ex and the pain of unspoken regrets, are so real that anyone who’s been heartbroken is bound to relate.
Deeply loved by Heisei-era gals, this song is recommended for nights when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.
Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.
The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.
Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart.
It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.
Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.
A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.
On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.
Last LoveKato Miria
The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.
The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.
Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.
When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.