Japanese breakup songs sung by female artists

red darkroomKei Junko

Kei Junko “Red Darkroom” MV (included on the single ‘Red Darkroom,’ released February 7, 2024)

A song by Junko Kei that paints a poignant scene of heartbreak.

Released in February 2024, it’s characterized by a gentle, subdued atmosphere.

The touching lyrics conjure the image of a woman in a red room, recalling a lost love.

Junko Kei’s soft vocals tenderly wrap the pain of a broken heart.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to heal from love’s wounds or reflect on someone important to you.

Listen to it alone on a quiet night, and you’ll likely feel your heart being cleansed.

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 expresses 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 convey the emotions of heartbreak in a direct yet cute way.

The forward-looking spirit and inner strength beneath the sadness make for a song that resonates with listeners.

It’ll be your ally when you’re trying to bounce back from a breakup!

I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko

I love you more than anyone.

When someone treats you gently, your heart aches; when they’re cold, you feel like crying…

This classic by Toko Furuuchi delicately portrays the feelings of everyone in love.

Capturing both the uncontrollable emotions toward a partner and the conflicts and contradictions that come with romance, the song was released in May 1996.

Used as an insert song for the drama “Watch Out for Us,” it was also included as a remixed version on the album “Hourglass.” Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Sowelu, Hideaki Tokunaga, and JUJU.

If you’ve ever struggled with love, scenes from your own experience will surely come to mind.

It’s the perfect song to listen to quietly on your own or when you want to think about someone special.

Good -joshi-Sakaguchi Ami

Ami Sakaguchi “Ko-joshi” Music Video

An encouraging song that gently wraps you in a soft, warm voice, depicting love from the perspective of a down-to-earth woman.

Released in July 2017 as her major-label debut single, it was chosen as the ending theme by FM stations across Japan.

As Yumebo Sakaguchi herself says, it “reflects my own experiences,” and the lyrics vividly capture the emotions after a breakup.

It’s a track that gives you the spark to say, “Even after we part, I’m going to keep looking forward and living my life!” Highly recommended for women struggling with love or anyone who wants to cherish their true self.

Cheer up!Yakushimaru Hiroko

Hiroko Yakushimaru – Cheer Up (Live)

A gem of a song whose heartwarming message gently encourages a friend hurting from heartbreak, resonating deep in the chest.

Mariya Takeuchi’s self-cover is well known, but the song was originally written by Takeuchi for Hiroko Yakushimaru.

It was included as the first track on the album “Kokonshū,” released in February 1984, and has soothed countless hearts.

Carried by a gentle piano melody, the clear, translucent vocals speak with an embracing tenderness.

It’s a song that makes you feel as if a close friend is right by your side.

When your spirit is on the verge of breaking, or when you want to lift someone up, it will surely be a powerful ally.