Breakup songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Heart-healing songs about parting ways.

Nostalgiaikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Nostalgia” Music Video

This is a single by Ikimonogakari released in 2010.

It was a song from their indie days, and although it was re-recorded, some parts like the lyrics have been slightly changed.

I heard Yoshioka said she didn’t want to sing it because she disliked the female protagonist, who’s so wishy-washy and hung up on her ex (lol).

unrequited loveShibata Jun

Jun Shibata – Unrequited Love

This is her fourth single, released in 2002, and the first since her debut to reach the Oricon Top 20.

Set to a gentle melody and clear vocals, the song portrays a woman’s complex feelings as she sings about not wanting to give up on a sad unrequited love, yet also wishing to bring it to an end.

Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

B’z – Itsuka no Merry Christmas

A staple karaoke song that’s also popular as a Christmas tune.

Originally included on the 1992 mini-album “FRIENDS,” it later appeared on other albums in various versions—piano and orchestral instrumentals, drum arrangements—making a total of seven albums.

A renowned piece that has been covered by many artists on TV and in live performances.

The lyrics depict a man reflecting on a past romance behind the bustle and glamour of Christmas.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

This song was released in 1975, and it has been covered by many artists and is still loved by people of all ages.

The lyrics depict an exchange of letters between a man who moved to the city and a woman who stayed in their hometown.

It’s bittersweet, but I’m sure it’s a song that will get everyone excited.

While Listening to OliviaAnri

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

It was the debut single and her biggest hit.

The Olivia in the title refers to the British singer Olivia Newton-John, and the song’s protagonist is a woman who enjoys listening to her.

It conveys a distinctly feminine strength—the resolve not to look back on a love that has ended or on the person she once loved.

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

I tell myself it’s a good thing I realized how they felt before I fell in love, and I accept the end of the romance.

This song by aiko captures that painful bravado.

Despite its up-tempo sound, it sings of the bittersweet moment when you keep getting your hopes up over the other person’s smallest gestures, only to notice their gaze is fixed on someone else.

Released in March 2008, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and was later used in a Hoyu commercial.

It’s also included on the album “Himitsu.” On nights when you put on a brave face even though you’re really sad, doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like someone’s right beside you saying, “I know exactly how you feel”?

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.