Breakup songs sung by male Japanese (J-pop) artists
There are so many words about love.Unrequited love, mutual love, breakups… There are lots of songs about these, too—perhaps it’s a national trait.Interestingly, in Japanese music, breakup songs seem especially common among them.Here, I’ve gathered 30 such heartbreak songs sung by male artists.May these masterpieces seep into and soothe your wounded heart.
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Breakup songs sung by male Japanese artists (61–70)
ELEGYShunsuke Kiyokiba
A gem of a ballad woven with delicate emotions.
Setting heartache and loneliness to a beautiful melody, it is a soulful work by Shunsuke Kiyokiba that sings of the pain of a love that is slipping away.
Its poetic worldview, which overlays a farewell with a loved one onto the imagery of dawn, leaves a deep afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Released in November 2018, the song is included on the album “CHANGE.” It’s a piece that gently stays by your side when you want to cherish bittersweet memories of love or spend a trembling night alone.
Kiyokiba’s powerful yet delicate vocals tenderly embrace the pain of heartbreak and parting.
Self and others are alikesawada sorari
Singer-songwriter Sorari Sawada’s new song is a heartbreak ballad that poignantly captures the moment of parting.
Marked by distinctive word choices and delicate emotional expression, it resonates deeply with listeners.
The lyrics, which portray a breakup scene in a romantic relationship, are likely to strike a chord with many.
Released on February 14, 2024, the track showcases the breadth of Sawada’s musicality.
Its innovative sound—blending electronic elements with the tones of traditional instruments—is another key attraction.
It may be the perfect song for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or reflect on past relationships.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
This is a bittersweet love song delicately woven by Kenshi Yonezu.
It likens the growing misalignment of two people’s feelings to the ticking tempos of two metronomes, portraying from a male perspective how a tiny discrepancy gradually widens into an irreparable rift, even as he cannot forget the other person.
When in love, we tend to get carried away alone and assume the other person feels the same.
It’s important to consider things from their point of view—including whether you truly like them and whether they truly like you.
This work is included on the album “Bremen,” released in October 2015.
Parting CitySuzuki Masayuki
A gem of a ballad by Masayuki Suzuki, depicting a heartrending breakup, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement all by Kazumasa Oda.
The transience of a drifting heart, the pure devotion of believing in the words they shared, and the regret for a past that can never be reclaimed.
These soul-tearing emotions are exquisitely conveyed through Suzuki’s rich, velvety voice.
Released in September 1989, the song was featured as an insert track for the drama “LUCKY! Tenshi, Miyako e Iku” and in a Ginza Jewelry Maki commercial, and was later included on the album “Dear Tears.” On a quiet night, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of someone dear, why not lend your ear to this song?
deep redMy Hair is Bad
A signature song by My Hair is Bad packed with the pain and joy of love.
From depictions of intimate moments to the sorrow of parting, the candid lyrics pierce the heart.
The emotional rock sound pairs perfectly with vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s husky voice.
Since its release in July 2015, it has captivated fans and never let go.
Perfect for those carrying the pain of heartbreak or struggling with complicated relationships.
Listening to this song might give you the courage to face your own feelings.
Baby don’t crySandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A new song by Sandaime J SOUL Brothers that portrays the end of a bittersweet love.
It’s a gentle, medium-tempo ballad with an acoustic sound that sinks into the heart.
Released as a digital single in September 2024, it’s also slated to be included on the album “ECHOES of DUALITY” coming in November.
While quietly singing about the pain of parting, it carries a hope to move forward into the future.
Recommended for times when you want to heal a heart hurt by heartbreak or embrace a farewell with someone important in a positive light.
Its slightly nostalgic melody is sure to soothe your soul.
I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi
It was released in 2011 as Naoto Inti Raymi’s fourth new single.
The song was used in a tie-in for the Sony Ericsson “Cyber-shot Phone S006” commercial featuring actress Keiko Kitagawa.
It’s a song that conveys gratitude for the time spent with a lover you ended up parting with—the tears and the laughter during that time were a kind of happiness, and you can feel thankful for having been together.
If you can part ways with smiles, it seems like both of you can move forward.