Recommended breakup songs for high school students: classic and popular J-pop tracks

someone I likeUeno Yūka

Yuka Ueno “Suki na Hito” Music Video

The relentless repetition in the chorus—where the realization dawns that it was you I loved—builds an escalation that strikes deeply.

The lyrics bare a love so painfully intense it tightens the chest.

The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku.

A line from its lyrics was also chosen as the title of Yuka Ueno’s third album.

Girls don’t cry.katahira rina

Rina Katahira - Girls Don’t Cry (Music Video)

This is a track from singer-songwriter Rina Katahira’s second single and first album, “amazing sky.” She wrote the lyrics by expanding on stories she heard from her friends, and the song very realistically expresses a girl’s feelings.

With its pop, catchy melody, it’s a very approachable song.

periodIshizaki Hyuui

Huwie Ishizaki – Period

The phrase “to put a period” can be used both positively and negatively, but either way it evokes a strong sense of resolution.

Fittingly for a song that bears such a title, its lyrics are packed with deeply moving, sentimental lines.

It’s a song that seems to keep you company in your pain.

Aoi childHanaregumi

Hanaregumi – “Oaiko” Music Video

Sung as if squeezing out each and every word over a piano arrangement rich with space that evokes a night fallen into hushed stillness due to passing, mismatched feelings.

With hardly any other instruments used, the shifting chords and the sense of scale in the chorus stand out.

The song was written and composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

tear(s)KANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Namida” Music Video

Even if somewhere deep down I know there’s no going back, I still can’t let go.

It’s a song written from a male perspective, shedding tears while thinking of someone precious.

With straightforward lyrics that hit you right in the heart, it’s a KANA-BOON track that sings of a bittersweet yet honest heartbreak.

This song is also highly popular among fans.

Et ceteraONE OK ROCK

Et cetera

When it comes to ONE OK ROCK’s heartbreak songs, this is the one.

It’s a fan favorite, and through its heartrending melody, you can feel the longing to go back even while knowing the love is gone for good.

It’s a breakup song that brings you to tears as you listen.

Last sceneikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Last Scene” Music Video

Although it is a farewell song, a refreshing feeling emanates from the sound.

Despite that sound, the melody conveys a tickling delicacy that tugs at the heart.

This song was the theme song for the film Your Lie in April and was also selected for the Excellent Work Award at the 2016 Japan Record Awards.

It was also Ikimonogakari’s last single before their hiatus.