Japanese breakup songs sung by female artists

Your Dissection Pure Love Song ~Die~aimyon

Your Dissection Pure Love Song ~Die~

This is a song by Aimyon that portrays love running amok—the kind of overwhelming affection that makes you want to keep every part of the other person to yourself.

Despite its poppy, upbeat melody, the song sings of a crazed possessiveness that refuses to let anyone else have them.

Released in March 2015 as her indie debut, it was later included on the mini-album “tamago.” If you’ve ever not only suffered the pain of heartbreak, but also been tormented by jealousy and fixation—asking yourself, “Why do I feel this way?”—you’ll deeply relate to the protagonist’s intense emotions.

Belt it out at karaoke and let your feelings explode—you might find that the murky emotions stuck deep inside your heart clear up just a little.

FOREVERchanmina

FOREVER

A heartbreak song by Chanmina that doesn’t end the farewell in sorrow, but turns it into the strength for a new beginning—the determination comes through so intensely it almost hurts.

You can practically picture her screaming out the anger and despair of the moment that brings the romance to a close, riding a fierce punk-rock sound.

The track carries both the sense of liberation found in saying a definitive “farewell forever,” and a strong will for the future.

Released in October 2024, the song also drew attention as the theme for the drama “Monster.” It’s sure to give a powerful push to anyone who wants to put an end to a painful love, shake off the past, and move forward.

After you’ve shed all your tears, it might be the spark that helps you discover a new self.

Then, why?Abe Mao

Then, why?

This is a poignant ballad by Mao Abe that sings of the helpless feeling when you realize you were the only one who was serious, after being led on by someone’s suggestive behavior.

The regret of having believed the words of a capricious, cat-like partner, and the pain that makes you want to demand, “Then why did you say that?” ride on her emotional vocals and pierce straight into your heart.

The song is included on the album “Su.” released in June 2011.

Remarkably, Abe wrote it during her high school years, and the pure, youthful cry of the heart resonates with raw intensity.

When you’re suffering from a lover’s ambiguous attitude and have nowhere to put your feelings, listening to this can feel as though it’s speaking for you.

Its gut-wrenching lyrics, paradoxically, will gently wrap your loneliness in warmth.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

It’s a song by aiko that portrays a delicate heart: identifying with an insect that protects itself with a hard shell yet is fragile inside, and acting tough precisely because it’s in love.

Like that insect that cannot survive the winter, the song foresees the end of love, yet its deep affection moves you as it tries to accept even the sadness as a cherished memory.

Released in November 1999, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s CDTV.

If you’ve ever found yourself putting on a brave front in front of someone you like, you’ll understand this all too well! As you listen, may you embrace that awkwardness as a part of yourself and find the courage to step forward into tomorrow.

Never again…BENI

BENI – Never Again…

“I just want to hear your voice one more time, but I can’t.” This is BENI’s renowned ballad that sings of a heartbreakingly painful wish.

The lyrics, torn between lingering feelings for an unforgettable lover and the resolve to tell oneself there’s no going back to the past, will squeeze the hearts of anyone bearing the same pain.

There’s even an anecdote that BENI herself unexpectedly shed tears during the music video shoot, which speaks to the depth of emotion poured into this piece.

Released in December 2008 and tied in with a MBS-affiliated TV program, its memorable melody—marked by piano and strings—surely lingers in many listeners’ minds.

Also included on the album “Bitter & Sweet,” this song might be the perfect one to let a few quiet tears fall to.

GarnetOku Hanako

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

wedgeOku Hanako

Kusabi (Wedge) by Hanako Oku

A piano ballad by Hanako Oku that quietly embraces the inescapable pain of parting.

Cherished since her indie days and lovingly passed down in her performances, it’s a song that has been adored by fans for many years.

Two shadows lit by streetlights after the last train has gone, a final kiss shared even as they know they’ll never meet again.

Lyrics that portray such helpless scenes are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

The song gained popularity through word of mouth and was finally released as a single in July 2015, marking the 10th anniversary of her debut.

It was later included on the album “Prism.” On nights when you’re sinking into sorrow with no way out, why not surrender yourself to this piece and let the tears flow?