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 (31–40)
A piece of youKahara Tomomi
This is a moving ballad released in October 2001 as Tomomi Kahara’s 20th single.
As her first ballad after returning from a hiatus, her expressiveness has gained even greater depth.
The lyrics portray a prayer-like resolve: holding on to the memory of a lost loved one while trying to face forward through the heartache.
Kahara’s clear, translucent voice further enhances those delicate emotions.
The song was used as the ending theme for the NHK Friday period drama “Goben no Tsubaki” and was also included on the album “Love Again.” It’s a gem of a track—gentle and embracing—perfect for nights when you want to quietly reflect on precious memories.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.
Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.
Sing of springback number
A gem-like ballad that depicts a heartrending farewell against a springtime backdrop.
Its delicate imagery intertwines beautifully with the protagonist’s emotions, unable to fully accept the parting.
Featured on back number’s February 2009 mini-album “Nogashita Sakana,” the song’s simple, acoustic guitar–driven arrangement and poignant melody sink deep into the heart.
It’s a track meant to be heard as a gentle anthem of encouragement for those who, while carrying the pain and loneliness of heartbreak, still try to look forward.
GarnetOku Hanako
A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.
Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.
Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.
Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.
For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.
Sakura GirlNEWS
Sung by NEWS, this song portrays a fleeting love that begins with the arrival of spring and ends like falling cherry blossoms.
The lyrics weave a beautiful story filled with a range of emotions, using cherry blossoms—an emblem of spring—as a motif to exquisitely express the poignancy of meeting and parting.
Released in March 2010, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a song that stays close to the heart during springtime scenes of new encounters and farewells.