A heartbreak song known to those in the know. Hidden gems of Japanese music that resonate with the heart.
When you go through a heartbreak, it can feel like there’s a gaping hole in your heart.
You want to cry but no tears come, you want to talk to someone but can’t find the words.
In moments like these, isn’t it music that gently stays by your side? In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of hidden gems in Japanese breakup songs—from those from a male perspective to those from a female perspective.
Their poignant lyrics and melodies are sure to speak for how you’re feeling right now.
We hope you can immerse yourself as much as you need, and that it becomes a small step toward looking forward again.
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A heartbreak song known to those in the know. Hidden gems of moving Japanese music (41–50)
River of MemoriesNakajima Miyuki
This is a song that compares the feelings after breaking up with a lover to the flow of a river.
The lover, like a leaf carried by the current, quickly drifts away and entrusts themselves to new encounters.
But the woman who was heartbroken sinks into the river of memories like a boat made of sand and can’t escape from it.
It’s a song that beautifully captures the pain of heartbreak.
Even if it’s farNishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s songs often encourage you in all kinds of love-related situations—when you want to fall in love, when you’re struggling with love, or after a breakup.
The concrete depictions of situations are excellent, and they’re wonderful songs that empathize with the listener’s feelings.
GoodbyeNishino Kana
Even though they didn’t grow to hate each other, they end up choosing to part ways due to drifting apart.
This is a poignant medium-tempo ballad by Kana Nishino that tightens the heart with the complexity of such an ending to love.
The way the protagonist tries to seal away the memories without truly accepting what happened feels strikingly real, likely because of the lyrics’ masterful grasp of the subtleties of romance.
Released in October 2013, the song is also known as the theme for the NHK serial drama “Glass no Ie” and is included on the album “with LOVE.” For those who have lost a love that couldn’t be saved by feelings alone and can’t yet move on, this song will gently whisper, “It’s okay—you don’t have to force yourself to forget.”
Then, why?Abe Mao
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.
The Last LieBENI
It’s a moving ballad where bittersweet feelings are conveyed through a clear, transparent vocal.
Released in January 2012, this song by BENI delicately portrays the emotions of someone accepting a breakup while wishing, just at the very end, for a gentle lie.
Its beautiful melody, centered on piano and strings, further highlights the lingering attachment to a loved one and the pain of parting.
BENI wrote the lyrics herself, with composition by Yoko Kuzuya.
Included on the album “Fortune,” it’s cherished by many as a ballad that feels close to the heart.
Resonating with those who have experienced the pain of losing someone irreplaceable, it’s a song that helps heal the wounds of heartbreak.
LOVEDMISIA
Heartbreak is sad, but there are loves that make you glad you fell for that person, aren’t there? For those who feel that way, this song is recommended.
It might be painful now, but as time passes, it will turn into a good memory.
When you want someone to understand your painful heartbreak, listening to this song will calm your heart.
Heartbreak ~Are you happy now?~Sonar Pocket
Released in 2012 as Sonar Pocket’s sixth digital single.
The lyrics capture a straightforward and realistic depiction of heartbreak, making it a song that anyone who has experienced a breakup can relate to.
It conveys a desire to move on from heartbreak, and its gentle vocals resonate deeply with the heart.