Japanese breakup songs sung by female artists

A 3 o’clock kissNEW!rokudenashi

Rokudenashi “3 o’clock Kiss” / Rokudenashi – 3 o’clock Kiss [Official Music Video]

A poignant, heartrending number that delicately portrays the pain of a love that has ended and the memories that resurface in quiet moments.

Sung by Ninjin, who is active mainly on social media, this track has been beloved since the early days of the project Rokudenashi and was released as a digital single in June 2021.

Lyrics, composition, and arrangement are by the popular Vocaloid producer 40mP.

The subtle emotional shifts that seep through the understated melody create a feeling that tightly grips the listener’s heart.

This piece is also included in the visual works accompanying the album Rokka, scheduled for release in December 2025.

When you find yourself dwelling on days gone by or lying awake at night, its gentle yet ephemeral vocals may softly keep you company.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

The lyrics of “Tobacco” are about how certain things remind you of someone you broke up with.

Just like the title suggests, cigarettes bring back memories of an ex.

Heartbreak is really painful, and I think it takes everyone some time to recover.

In times like that, listening to this song by Koresawa somehow makes you feel lighter.

Best-before date of lovetuki.

tuki. 'Best-Before Date of Love' Official Music Video

While sensing the end of love, they still can’t let go of their affection for the other person.

This song by tuki.

portrays that contradictory heart with painfully raw realism.

Frustrated by miscommunication over social media, yet feeling happy just to be by their side—the protagonist’s feelings will inevitably tighten the listener’s chest.

Released in September 2024, exactly one year after the striking debut “Bansanka,” this work is an answer song.

With other tracks featured in PlayStation 5 commercials, tuki.’s unique world continues to captivate many.

If you’ve ever experienced the aching loneliness of a relationship slowly cooling, you’ll surely resonate deeply.

On nights when you’re bewildered by love that’s changing, why not quietly align your heart with this song, alone?

maybeYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Tabun” Official Music Video

A morning of ending for two, greeted in a room fallen silent.

This is a YOASOBI song that portrays such a matter-of-fact scene of parting.

Released in July 2020, it also served as the theme song for a short film.

True to the duo’s concept of “turning novels into music,” it was created based on a publicly submitted short story.

There’s a painfully real quality in the way they try to accept a relationship that drifted apart—not because either person was at fault—with the word “probably.” Ikura’s clear, translucent vocals delicately capture the subtleties of a heart that can’t neatly move on, and are sure to resonate deeply with those carrying the pain of heartbreak.

While accepting the end, you can’t help but empathize with the sudden longing for the past that slips in.

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.