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

freesiaMarushii

Marcy – Freesia (Official Music Video)

A heartfelt breakup song that portrays the pain of parting.

It’s a track by the rock band Marcy, released in April 2025.

The grand arrangement woven from guitars and strings, along with lyrics from a female perspective that vividly capture the inner turmoil of saying goodbye, truly resonate.

Many listeners will likely relate to the awkwardness that comes through in every phrase.

It’s a song that gently encourages anyone trying to reclaim themselves.

1.2. step to youKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON　『1.2. step to you』Music Video

Despite its bright atmosphere with the refreshing and poppy vibe characteristic of KANA-BOON, the slightly bittersweet lyrics really hit home.

Since they’re a hugely popular band among high schoolers, this is a breakup song I’d recommend to students dealing with heartbreak or those whose long-held crushes never reach the person they like.

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]

This is a quintessential Koresawa number that poppily portrays 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 express the emotions of a breakup in a straightforward yet cute way.

The positivity and strength hidden beneath the sadness create a song that resonates with listeners.

It will be your ally when you’re trying to move on from heartbreak!

memoryDomura Riu

memory – Riu Domura (Official Lyric Video)

Riu Domura, who is active mainly by releasing music on YouTube, presents a breakup song titled “Memory.” The track centers on a man who has gone through a breakup.

In the first half, he gently sings about looking back on their memories alone; in the second half, he soulfully voices the regret that wells up inside him.

This contrast between the two halves makes the protagonist’s feelings feel even more real.

Also, if you watch the music video, you’ll notice there’s an unexpected twist—that’s another highlight.

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HappinessOnda Masanori

"Happiness" / Masanori Onda

Masamori Onda’s “Shiawase” is a wonderful song paired with an MV that’s heartbreakingly poignant, like a home movie of happier days.

Believe it or not, Onda was still only 19 as of 2023.

“Shiawase” is a classic breakup song that looks back on days of happiness, yet it somehow avoids any trace of the usual clichés—there’s something mysterious about it.

The scene where he writes her name in the sand, in particular, is a real tearjerker.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a good, cathartic cry!

The Fourth Avenue CafeL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

The Fourth Avenue Cafe / L’Arc〜en〜Ciel(cover)

This song depicts a bittersweet scene: after the breakup, sitting in the café the two once visited, feeling the lingering presence in the empty seat.

The melody conveys a sense of sorrow and heartache, making it a breakup song.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and is one of the signature tracks from L’Arc-en-Ciel’s early period.

I×USilent Siren

[Silent Siren] “I×U” Music Video (Short Ver.) [SILENT SIREN]

It’s a heartbreaking breakup song with a lonely melody that longs for a man she’s been separated from, and Suu’s sorrowful vocals that naturally bring tears to your eyes and make your chest tighten.

At the time, it was Silent Siren’s first winter-themed song, expressing the pain of a bittersweet breakup.