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

A Tiny Love SongŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara as Riko Koeda – A Tiny Love Song (Short ver.) <Film: The Liar and His Lover>

This is the song that became the theme for the movie The Liar and His Lover, which was the breakthrough for Sakurako Ohara.

The melody is wonderful, of course, and the poignancy of the lyrics really hits home, so I recommend it to high school students dealing with heartbreak or to anyone parting from someone they love upon graduation.

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!

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.

Andromedaaiko

aiko - “Andromeda” music video

What sets it apart from other breakup songs is that its theme is the bittersweetness of realizing your own feelings have changed, even though you loved them so much.

With aiko’s beautiful voice and slightly offbeat breakup lyrics, it’s a poignant, summery track.

ForevermoreUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada “Forevermore” (Short Version)

The theme song of TBS’s Sunday drama “Gomen, Aishiteru” features lyrics that strikingly blend Japanese and English.

Utada Hikaru’s worldview turns love and romance into something that feels natural.

It’s a song that makes you feel it’s okay for there to be tears in a relationship.

Unrequited Love of ‘Say My Name’LiSA

LiSA – say my name no kataomoi – Legendado – PT

This is a song by LiSA, a leading female artist in the anison world.

Despite its refreshing and bright sound, it features bittersweet, heartrending lyrics that make it a great recommendation for high school students.

I also recommend it for the parts that showcase LiSA’s charming cuteness.