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)
Love is blind.yangusukinii
A song by Young Skinny that portrays the bittersweet feeling of lingering over a past love.
It expresses how much everyday life can change after a breakup through a concrete image: even the taste of fries seems different.
As the song progresses, the protagonist’s mindset shifts, too.
In the end, they’re shown facing forward with a smile, and listening to it can lift your spirits.
Released digitally in January 2024, it was also chosen as the opening theme for the TBS drama “Uri o Yaburu: Issen o Koeta, Sono Saki ni wa.” It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to overcome the pain of heartbreak or take a step forward with their head held high.
A heartbreak song known only to those in the know. Hidden gems of Japanese music that touch the heart (51–60)
by next timeaiko
A delicate portrayal of heartbreak, this poignant song by aiko captures the pain of lost love.
A romance that once felt blissful to the core comes to an end, and the protagonist’s struggle to let go of its lingering warmth is deeply moving.
The lyrics poetically trace how a faint first love gradually turns into heavy despair.
Released in August 2002, the song peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Gold.
Anyone who has experienced a breakup will likely relate—but within that pain lies the first step toward growth.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
Far awayHamasaki Ayumi
A delicate portrayal of heartbreak, Ayumi Hamasaki’s poignant breakup song contrasts the protagonist’s present loneliness with happy memories of the past, shown as they revisit places once shared with a former lover.
Expressions like “Happiness slips through the gaps between my fingers” evoke the fragility of joy.
Released in May 2000, the track was also used in a TU-KA Cellular Tokyo/Tokai commercial and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who’s gone through a breakup or wants to take a new step forward.
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.
LiarUeto Aya
Aya Ueto delivers a moving song that delicately portrays a person who, after a breakup, tries to move forward while hiding their true feelings.
The folkloric, wistful melody and her clear, transparent vocals vividly express the inner state of someone putting on a brave face yet still thinking of their former partner.
Released in November 2004 as Ueto’s 10th single, the song was written and composed by Tetsuro Oda and included on the album “Re.” It’s a track that deeply resonates with anyone striving to walk forward after heartbreak while keeping their innermost feelings concealed.
Despite the show of strength, her tender, aching voice is sure to warm your heart.
To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa
This is a quintessential Koresawa number that poppily expresses the pain of heartbreak, lingering feelings, and wishes for the other person.
Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “To the You Who Chose Me, and the You Who Didn’t.” It features a catchy melody and lyrics that convey the emotions of heartbreak in a direct yet cute way.
The forward-looking spirit and inner strength beneath the sadness make for a song that resonates with listeners.
It’ll be your ally when you’re trying to bounce back from a breakup!
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.
