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[Old Love Songs] Love songs that recall a love that has ended
There are loves that are still ongoing, and loves that have ended but can’t be forgotten.
In this article, we’re introducing “songs of past love.”
They’re songs that make you remember and feel nostalgic about old romances—sometimes even bring you to tears with a passion that hasn’t cooled.
We’ve gathered a variety, from bright, breezy tracks that feel completely refreshed to bittersweet love songs where the wounds still don’t seem to heal.
If you’re looking for love songs that bring back memories of past relationships, be sure to give these a listen.
Take your time and lose yourself, alone, in the memories of a nostalgic love.
[Old Love Songs] Love Songs That Recall a Finished Romance (1–10)
MemoTakase Tōya
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.
AsterSaucy Dog
If only I’d made a different choice back then… This is a song that presses on the heart with the sadness of facing that kind of regret.
In Saucy Dog’s portrayal, it holds memories that are beautiful yet painful, along with a heartfelt prayer to one day meet again.
Released in October 2022 as the theme song for the film “To Me, the One Who Loved You,” it was later included on the album “but right now.” Rather than merely romanticizing the past, it captures the way we live while carrying our present loneliness—something that will surely tighten many hearts.
You’ve broken up, and yet you still can’t forget that person.
It’s a song to listen to on a night when you’re wishing to get back together, holding your memories close.
nape (of the neck)aiko
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.
Once moreAteen
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.
Remember the Days ~Footprints with You~Hirai Dai
A memorable number sung by Dai Hirai, marked by the contrast between ukulele tones and wistful lyrics.
It conveys gratitude for cherishing the days spent with an irreplaceable person, alongside the frustration of not being able to go back.
Included on the mini-album “OHANA,” released in May 2011, this song is also known for its tie-in with a Nishi-Nippon City Bank TV commercial.
It’s such a beloved classic that it was later featured on the best album “LOVE+PEACE.” Holding the warm memories of those days close, this song will surely gently accompany your heart as you wish for a chance to start over.
The first winter without youKobayashi Tōya
Kobayashi Tōya’s major-label debut song straightforwardly sings about the biting cold of the first winter after a breakup and the lingering feelings that remain.
Its warm acoustic tones and emotionally rich vocals resonate in the heart, offering comfort to anyone who wishes they could go back to those days.
Released in November 2021, the track also drew attention as an insert song for ABEMA’s dating show “My Younger Prince: 100 Princes Edition.” It was later included on his first album, “Hiiragi,” and has garnered widespread empathy.
Listen to it on nights when the loneliness of being by yourself feels overwhelming.
It’s sure to gently melt your frozen heart.
Goodbye to You… feat. SpontaniaTiara
This is Tiara’s major-label debut single, released in September 2009.
Featuring the hip-hop unit Spontania, the song portrays the ache of a breakup from both male and female perspectives.
It reflects the pain of a heartbreak Tiara actually experienced during production, vividly expressing the torment of having to part precisely because you love someone, and the lingering attachment that just won’t fade.
No matter how far apart you are, tender memories remain in your heart, and even after saying goodbye, the feelings can’t be severed.
On nights when you fervently wish you could start over, listen with your tears—her trembling voice will gently nudge you toward taking that first step toward reconciliation.