Japanese breakup songs sung by female artists

Girls don’t cry.katahira rina

Rina Katahira - Girls Don’t Cry (Music Video)

These lyrics are about a love that ended in heartbreak, and they’re pretty tough.

But Rina Katahira’s cute, poppy vocals and the fluffy music video are sure to brighten those feelings.

I’d be happy if listening to this song gives you the energy to start a new romance!

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

There seem to be surprisingly many women who can’t forget an ex, who know it’s impossible yet still can’t give up on the person they love, or who are carrying the wounds of heartbreak.

Miliyah Kato’s “Last Love” is a mature breakup song that those people will surely relate to.

My WayMirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama 'My Way'

“My Way” by Mirei Touyama, a singer-songwriter born in 1998.

The lyrics are cool, like flipping the bird at our unreasonable, competitive society.

It’s a masterpiece that makes you want to stay constantly aware of your own self!

pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

A song by Sakurako Ohara that gently yet powerfully cheers on young people charging toward their dreams.

Born as a support song for high school soccer, it was released in March 2015 and even led to her appearance at the 66th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s also notable as the first track for which Ohara herself attempted lyric writing.

Its warm message resonates—the feelings for the dreams reflected in clear, straightforward eyes, and the idea that both tears and smiles are proof of youth.

This work is a song that gives a gentle push to anyone chasing something precious.

I hope those who, despite their struggles, are trying to look ahead and move forward will give it a listen.

I really hate it, but thank you.Aoyama Teruma

Thelma Aoyama – I Really Hate You, But Thanks

Love is wonderful, but it’s not all sunshine and roses, right? Released as Thelma Aoyama’s fifth single, this song is a love ballad that captures exactly those feelings.

Her powerful vocals leave a lasting impression!

I loved (it/you)erica

erica – “I Loved You” Full PV

The more serious a romantic relationship gets, the more painful and sad moments it brings, doesn’t it? Singer-songwriter erica has sung many songs about unrequited love and heartbreak.

“Daisuki Deshita” is also a bittersweet love song about accepting a farewell from someone you truly love.

GoodbyeNishino Kana

Goodbye

Even though they didn’t grow to hate each other, they end up choosing to part ways due to drifting apart.

This is a poignant medium-tempo ballad by Kana Nishino that tightens the heart with the complexity of such an ending to love.

The way the protagonist tries to seal away the memories without truly accepting what happened feels strikingly real, likely because of the lyrics’ masterful grasp of the subtleties of romance.

Released in October 2013, the song is also known as the theme for the NHK serial drama “Glass no Ie” and is included on the album “with LOVE.” For those who have lost a love that couldn’t be saved by feelings alone and can’t yet move on, this song will gently whisper, “It’s okay—you don’t have to force yourself to forget.”