[2026] Japanese songs about a final love: a recommended J‑Pop roundup

Once moreAteen

Ateen – Once Again (Lyric Video)

This is a poignant track by Ateen that overflows with unresolved feelings for a former lover.

The regret and inner conflict of wishing to go back to those days come through painfully in the lyrics, which the artist penned themselves.

The unadorned emotions written straight into the words are sure to pierce listeners’ hearts.

Released in July 2023, this work was only the second in Ateen’s early career, yet it resonated widely, even landing on Spotify’s viral charts.

It blends the accessibility of J-pop with elements of hip-hop in a pleasing way, and it’s sure to gently encourage anyone hoping for reconciliation.

nape (of the neck)aiko

aiko - “Eriashi” music video

A winter ballad whose aching vocals by aiko strike straight to the heart.

It portrays feelings that can’t be severed for a former lover and a love that doesn’t fade, even after years have passed.

Many who hope to rekindle a romance will likely be moved to tears by the strong wish to someday meet again—if only the other person is still out there somewhere.

Released as a single in November 2003, the song is also included on the acclaimed album “Akatsuki no Love Letter.” There’s even a story that aiko herself shed tears during the mixing process.

If you listen to it when you’ve been separated yet can’t let go, it will surely affirm your pure feelings and give you the courage to face forward once more.

MemoTakase Tōya

Toya Takase / Memorandum Self Cover Ver (Official Lyric Video)

As a “record for forgetting,” this song chronicles days with a former lover, yet the lingering attachment comes through with aching clarity.

Sung by Tōya Takase, this R&B ballad brings the reality of a lost love into sharp relief through vivid, everyday details of ordinary exchanges.

Wanting to go back but being unable to—the squeeze of that contradiction is hard to ignore.

Released in April 2021, the piece is a self-cover: originally written for a friend, then re-sung by Takase himself.

Its story of two people drawn together even after parting will quietly stay close to the heart of anyone hoping for reconciliation but unable to take that next step.

LAST NOTEWashio Reina

Reina Washio “LAST NOTE” (Studio Live Session)

It’s a song that lets you sink into a quiet, profound afterglow, like watching the end credits of a film.

This piece closes out Reina Washio’s mini-album “freivor,” released in November 2025.

As the final installment of a trilogy themed around perfume, it delicately portrays the feeling of not forcibly erasing past loves or painful memories, but gently accepting them—like a scent that lingers on the skin.

Telling yourself “I’m okay now” as you try to face forward and walk on alone—that image is truly moving.

Why not give it a listen on a quiet night when you want to spend time with yourself?

Love PhotosOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Love Photograph

Ai Otsuka’s 13th single, released in 2006.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Heavenly Forest” (Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru), this piece is a poignant love song that expresses pure feelings for a past lover.

It’s a piano- and string-driven ballad in which the melody leaps in the chorus as if pouring out pent-up emotion, stirring a heart-wrenching sensation.

There’s even an anecdote that the song influenced the film’s title, which speaks to the power of its words.

The feeling of still loving someone after a breakup, and the inability to forget the happy moments locked in memory, is something many of us have experienced at least once.

It’s a song that brings tears with its pure, heartfelt longing for the one you love.

Romance and LoveSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J Soul Brothers from Exile Tribe / Koi to Ai

A gem of a ballad by Sandaime J SOUL Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, told from a male perspective about the resolve to part ways.

Included on the album “FUTURE,” released in June 2018, the song was also used as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri” and in commercials for the job site Baitoru NEXT.

It portrays the adult, heartrending choice of parting ways because of the difficulty in moving from infatuation to true love, and the feeling that one cannot make the other person happy.

Even though his feelings haven’t faded—in fact, precisely because he cares—he chooses to leave, and his emotions resonate deeply.

A beautiful piano- and strings-driven melody is layered with the heartfelt vocals of Ryuji Imaichi and Hiroomi Tosaka, moving listeners to tears.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

A love on the verge of witheringSuzuki Suzuki

[Passing By] A Withering Love – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

This song poignantly portrays a couple who, after their youthful days end and they enter the working world, gradually drift apart until their relationship ends.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone in college who feels distance growing with someone important.

Released by Suzuki Suzuki in April 2021 as the final installment of their love-themed trilogy, it’s characterized by beautiful harmonies.

The lyrics, in plain and realistic language, capture the fragility of a relationship where busy days lead to fewer meetings and dwindling contact.

Its mellow tones will stay close by your side.