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

Then, why?Abe Mao

Then, why?

This is a poignant ballad by Mao Abe that sings of the helpless feeling when you realize you were the only one who was serious, after being led on by someone’s suggestive behavior.

The regret of having believed the words of a capricious, cat-like partner, and the pain that makes you want to demand, “Then why did you say that?” ride on her emotional vocals and pierce straight into your heart.

The song is included on the album “Su.” released in June 2011.

Remarkably, Abe wrote it during her high school years, and the pure, youthful cry of the heart resonates with raw intensity.

When you’re suffering from a lover’s ambiguous attitude and have nowhere to put your feelings, listening to this can feel as though it’s speaking for you.

Its gut-wrenching lyrics, paradoxically, will gently wrap your loneliness in warmth.

carpaimyon

Carp

Koi is a heartbreak song themed around the proverb “the one that got away.” It was included on singer-songwriter Aimyon’s 2019 single Harunohi, a release that cemented her nationwide popularity.

Set to a lively ska-style beat, its acoustic guitar and synth tones ring out.

The lyrics portray the sorrow of not ending up with the one you love, depicting someone facing an unbearable reality alone.

With its rhythmic band arrangement contrasted by her emotional vocals, it’s a hidden gem.

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lingering loveKitatani Ruki

Ruki Chatan “Koinokori” Official Music Video

Ryuki Kitaya, who also drew attention for the 2023 Pocari Sweat commercial song “Ao ga Mau,” is a singer-songwriter born in 2003 from Takayama, Gifu Prefecture.

His song “Koinokori” is one I especially want heartbroken men to hear.

The lyrics, like a treasure box of memories, mention places like the convenience store the couple often visited and the path where they went on dates.

Amid the lingering attachment, you can feel the love he still has for her.

It’s a tearjerker for anyone who can’t switch their feelings over right away—an absolute must-listen.

I want to see youGACKT

GACKT “I Want to See You” MUSIC VIDEO

GACKT’s song is a ballad that delicately portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Its gentle melody, built around live piano and acoustic guitar, is layered with GACKT’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which empathize with those who have experienced a breakup, may help soothe the pain of heartbreak.

Released in October 2004, the track was also used as the ending theme for “The Wide.” It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who continues to hold feelings for someone important.

You might find it nice to listen while letting your thoughts drift to a lover from your memories.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

It’s a signature song by the visual kei rock band Golden Bomber.

This track catapulted Golden Bomber to fame and even earned them a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s upbeat and popular at karaoke, but it’s also a heartbreak song told from a male perspective.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A famous song that just about everyone knows.

The album it’s on, First Love, was a mega-hit, and even now every track still feels exceptional.

I was in elementary school at the time, and I remember all my friends could sing this song fluently—even the English lyrics.

It really was that much of a social phenomenon.

Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō & Uīkendo

Cape Tour

Misaki Meguri (Cape Tour) is a masterpiece created in the 1970s by the unit Yamamoto Kotaro & Weekend.

Although it is a heartbreak song, it gently sings of a man traveling alone around capes, and it won the support of many young people, becoming a huge hit.