A heartbreak song known to those in the know. Hidden gems of Japanese music that resonate with the heart.

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

Convincing yourself it’s better to notice the other person’s feelings before you fall for them—realizing the love has already ended.

This song by aiko portrays that kind of painfully brave front.

Despite its up-tempo sound, it sings of the bittersweet moments when you pin your hopes on the other person’s small gestures, only to realize their gaze is directed at someone else, not you.

Released in March 2008, the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was later used in a Hoyu commercial.

It’s also included on the album “Himitsu.” On nights when you put on a brave face even though you’re truly sad, doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like someone’s right beside you whispering, “I understand how you feel”?

wedgeOku Hanako

wedge

Praised as “a melody so heartrending it makes your heart tremble” and “so moving it brings you to tears,” this song was released in July 2015 as Hanako Oku’s 10th-anniversary single.

Its lyrics delve deeply into lost love and the pain of parting, and when combined with Oku’s characteristically clear, translucent voice, they resonate profoundly with listeners.

Cherished since her indie days, this work stands as a symbol of her bond with fans.

Wrapped in the gentle tones of the piano, it conveys a wistful longing for days gone by.

For those burdened by heartbreak or who have experienced a farewell with someone dear, this is a song that will quietly stay by your side—why not give it a listen?

From our joined handsback number

back number – From the Hands We Held

Switching gears from a wistful slow ballad, this is a pop number that sets a spineless man’s far-too-late regret to a light, breezy melody.

The tune is very bright with catchy phrases that stick in your head, but the lyrics are regret, regret, and more regret.

It’s said that most of back number’s lyrics are based on real-life episodes they actually experienced, giving us glimpses into various sad experiences.

contact lens caseSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Contact Case” (from LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “YAON de WAOOON,” recorded at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall on April 30, 2019)

Just as you cherish and tuck away mementos, you want to gently store the pain of heartbreak in your heart.

This Saucy Dog song resonates with that feeling.

The bittersweet ache of waiting, somewhere inside, for someone who will never return, softly echoes over a calm melody.

Included on the album Salad Days, this track has been soothing the hearts of those who’ve experienced heartbreak since its release in May 2018.

Each time you notice traces of memories etched into everyday things and feel the warmth of those days again, this is a song that quietly stays by your side.

pinkshaitoopu

pink

This song could be considered a quintessential heart-wrenching breakup ballad.

The delicate vocals seep into your heart.

It carefully portrays the complex emotions of a woman who realizes her lover’s betrayal yet still can’t forget them.

The lyrics convey a longing to cling to happy memories of the past.

Released in February 2023, the track’s lyrics are also compelling for their sense of urban loneliness, with scenes like looking down over the city from a rooftop.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those bearing the pain of heartbreak or who have experienced losing someone dear.

It’s especially recommended for listening alone at night.

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

This is a song by wacci that portrays the aching feeling of being unable to forget a former lover, even while wanting to sever lingering attachments.

It delicately captures the emotional turbulence of wishing to erase memories of an ex, yet having their shadow surface even amid new encounters.

Released digitally on July 17, 2024, this work is a highly relatable breakup song that offers comfort to those who want to move on to a new love but find themselves held back by past feelings, unable to take the next step.

OverMr.Children

Mr.Children “Over” from 30th Anniversary Tour Entrance to the Half Century – 2022.5.10 TOKYO DOME –

A song included on Mr.Children’s fourth album, Atomic Heart.

It’s a heartbreak song, and the title is said to carry two meanings: “to end it here” and “to move beyond this point.” Sung from a male perspective, it’s a very poignant track.