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

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

When you’re going through a tough time, its catchy melody and KENTA’s powerful vocals are a surefire remedy for heartbreak.

At the same time, it’s a song that inspires optimism and a can-do attitude—if you try, you can do it; if you don’t, you can’t.

If you’ve suffered a painful breakup, listen to this track and take on the next challenge!

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

This is a song by wacci that poignantly sings of the pain of wanting to sever memories of an ex but being unable to.

Released in July 2024, it was produced as the third installment of a three-part love song project.

It portrays a protagonist who, even while spending time with someone new, suddenly sees traces of their former lover—and the more they try to forget, the more vividly the memories return, conveying a deep sense of heartache.

If you’re nursing the pain of a breakup, it will surely hit home.

I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo

Atarayo – “I Didn’t Want to Know, If It Meant Losing You” (Music Video)

This piece portrays the emotional struggle of someone hurt by a lover’s betrayal, yet tormented by feelings that won’t fade.

Released by Atarayo in January 2022, it was produced as an advance single for the album “Gokuya ni Oite Tsuki wa Katarazu.” Born from a collaboration with the platform Jun-Aidan, which features real-life romance stories, the song is based on a story selected from over ten thousand submissions.

Even after being lied to repeatedly by someone you trusted, and knowing in your head that you should break up, you still can’t stop loving them.

It’s a song that will resonate with anyone carrying those contradictory feelings.

GibbsShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Gibbs

This song teaches us that love is heartbreaking because we know it has an end, and it’s a breakup song I especially want heartbroken high school students to hear.

It also includes those “when we were dating” relatable moments in the lyrics, which makes it all the more heartrending as you listen.

I loved (it/you)erica

erica – “I Loved You” Full PV

It portrays heartbreak head-on.

One of the song’s charms is its abundant use of straightforward, unambiguous expressions.

The key change in the chorus is also excellent; together with the lyrics, it powerfully conveys the act of breaking free from the past.

It’s a track that can support you when you’re ready to make a fresh start.

No matter how…Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino - "No Matter How... (short ver.)"

Back then, when we casually chatted about everything—whether something bad happened, something made us happy, or just the everyday things… Listening to this song makes the time we spend together feel even more precious.

I hope that even if we end up far apart, our love becomes the kind that remains as a cherished memory.

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

One of Spitz’s classic songs, “Cherry.” Released on April 10, 1996 as their 13th single, it sold over 1.6 million copies.

While the lyrics look back wistfully on a past that will never return, they also hold hope for the future, so although the song’s theme is heartbreak, it’s sometimes performed at graduation ceremonies.

It’s a timeless masterpiece passed down to people of all ages that leaves you feeling refreshed.