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 only to those in the know. Hidden gems of Japanese music that touch the heart (51–60)
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.
Tulipindigo la End
This is a song by indigo la End that beautifully portrays the pain and fragility of a love born from heartbreak.
Using the meanings of three tulip colors as motifs—red for “true love,” white for “lost love,” and yellow for “hopeless love”—it depicts the heartrending emotions of a protagonist completely dyed in the other person’s color.
The band’s gentle performance and Enon Kawatani’s delicate vocals envelop the feelings that waver between clinging and acceptance.
Released as a digital single in February 2020 and later included on the album “Yako Himitsu,” this piece resonates with those facing the end of a romance or reflecting on a past love.
I don’t want to see you; I want to see you.Ueno Yūka
A ballad by Yuuka Ueno that sets painfully bittersweet scenes of heartbreak—so vivid they make your chest ache just remembering—against a simple, piano-led melody.
Six months after the breakup, the protagonist’s heart is still tangled in conflicting emotions born from being unable to forget their former lover: aching to see them, yet not wanting to.
Included on the January 2019 album “Sukina Hito wa Anata datta” (“You Were the One I Loved”), this song is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has gone through a breakup and still hasn’t sorted out their feelings.
When they suddenly come to mind in a quiet moment, why not listen to this track and face your true feelings?
breakup songOkazaki Taiiku
This song expresses the pain of heartbreak set to an invigorating melody.
It’s included on Taiiku Okazaki’s EP “Suplex,” released in March 2024, and while it stays close to the hearts of those who’ve been dumped, it also gives them the courage to look forward.
Places full of memories with a lover—like movie theaters and amusement parks—appear one after another, vividly portraying the complex emotions that follow a breakup.
The lyrics that encourage oneself—saying there’s no point in brooding—also carry Okazaki’s signature humor.
It’s a track I’d love anyone trying to overcome a tough experience to hear.
A heartbreak song known to those in the know. Hidden gems of Japanese music that touch the heart (61–70)
Beyond the goodbyeMatsushita Kohei
Some of you may be feeling down after a broken heart.
If so, I’d love for you to listen to “Beyond Goodbye.” It’s a song written by singer-songwriter Kohei Matsushita.
The lyrics portray the sorrow and emptiness of a man who’s parted ways with his lover, while still conveying the belief that a wonderful future awaits.
His gentle vocals soothe the heart and help you look forward, I believe.
Another appeal is that the lyrics are structured like a monologue.
You at your worstHamano Haruki
A poignant song by Haruki Hamano that delicately portrays the complex emotions of a woman trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak.
It weaves in universally familiar feelings—her struggle to break free from a self-sacrificing romance, and the late-night solo drives that bring back memories of the past.
Released in December 2023 as the second installment of a six-month consecutive release project, the track leaves a strong impression with its depiction of someone who, despite lingering attachment to a past relationship, strives to sort out her feelings and move forward.
It offers a warm sense of empathy to anyone hoping to overcome the sting of a breakup.
Highly recommended for those troubled by their current relationships or wishing to face their own feelings once more.
Friend(s)☆★azu
It was released in 2011 as AZU’s 12th single.
Emi Hinouchi, who wrote and composed the song, is a close friend of AZU, and the lyrics—written to encourage her and help her move forward after a heartbreak—are truly moving.
AZU said that every time she sings this song, she feels saved and touched by her friend’s kindness.
This kind of female friendship is really wonderful.