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
Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s (21–30)
Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru
This is a masterpiece that delicately portrays the bittersweet pain of heartbreak and parting.
Released in February 2007, it’s a song by Hikaru Utada and served as the image song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns).” It beautifully expresses the many emotions brought on by saying goodbye to someone you love, with a memorable melody that resonates as if you can feel the very essence of love throughout your whole body.
The song topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks and was also included on the album “HEART STATION.” It’s a track that resonates deeply during the poignant moments of love or when you’re feeling uncertain about a relationship with someone important.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
A timeless masterpiece that gently cradles the feelings of a lost love, overflowing with bittersweet longing and tenderness.
Its sweet melody and emotionally rich vocals weave a heart-stirring love ballad that portrays a love unchanged even after a farewell.
Released in April 2000 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 15th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki V” segment of TBS’s “Unnan no Hontoko!” and ranked second on Oricon’s annual singles chart that year.
Healing hearts and resonating with many throughout the year, this song is perfect for the spring season.
While carrying the pain of parting, it conveys a pure wish for the other person’s happiness—an exquisite love song to listen to during spring’s farewells and new encounters.
The Continuation of TearsKahara Tomomi
It’s a heartfelt ballad that captures the sorrow of an adult heartbreak.
It portrays a woman who has gone through a devastating breakup and, having overcome the pain, now looks back on the past with calm reflection.
It’s not merely sad; the strength to smile as she recalls the memories and the sense of gratitude toward her former partner come through and are deeply moving.
Released in May 2005 to mark Tomomi Kahara’s 10th anniversary since her debut, this was her 24th single and a lead release from the album “NAKED.” It was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama series “Wednesday Mystery 9,” so some listeners may find it familiar.
This song gently supports those who are trying to move forward after a painful relationship.
Listening alone on a quiet night, it seems to teach us that even painful experiences will one day turn into cherished memories.
P.S I miss youTakahashi Yoko
This is a gem of a ballad released in December 1991, marking the full-fledged solo debut of Yoko Takahashi, who would later gain immense acclaim for “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” It gives voice to the growing feelings for someone you long to see but cannot, and anyone who has experienced the heartache of a long-distance relationship will likely find it deeply moving.
The song was used as the image theme for the drama “Aitai Toki ni Anata wa Inai…” and later earned the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
There’s also the memorable, unusual anecdote that the jacket photo wasn’t ready in time, so they used a picture of a wall clock instead.
On a quiet night when you can’t sleep as you think of someone dear, listening to this beautiful melody and vocal will surely offer gentle comfort to your heart.
Graduationgagaga supi
A bittersweet love song that likens a breakup between a man and a woman to “graduation.” Carefully crafted by the youth punk band from Kobe, Gagaga SP, the lyrics vividly capture the pain of heartbreak, lingering attachment, and the determination to move forward.
Released in January 2002 as their major-label debut single and peaking at No.
30 on the Oricon chart, this track has become one of their signature songs and a staple of their live shows, as the band is known for leading the youth punk boom.
With its straightforward lyrics and powerful sound, this song is sure to be a source of comfort when you’re healing from a breakup or trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.