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 (1–10)
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki
It was released in 1992 as Noriyuki Makihara’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the NTV drama “After the Children Go to Sleep” and became a million seller.
The lyrics overflow with the bittersweet feelings of a man who finds his girlfriend’s constant presence sometimes annoying and longs for free time, only to realize after she’s gone that the loneliness outweighs any freedom.
Yet the song somehow remains uplifting and forward-looking.
freesiaMarushii
Marcy is a rock band that continues to move hearts with relatable, down-to-earth lyrics and melodies.
This song delicately portrays the frustrating feelings of a woman who can’t leave a relationship she knows is nearing its end—a heartfelt rock ballad.
Ukyo Yoshida’s emotionally rich vocals intertwine with beautiful string arrangements, and the rising intensity toward the chorus is sure to tighten the listener’s chest.
Released as a single in April 2025, it was also selected as the theme song for the short film channel “Shunkan seju.” It is included on the album Flavors, released in November of the same year, and is gaining recognition as one of the band’s new signature tracks.
Why not listen to it when you’re struggling with unrequited love or on a night when you just want to let the tears flow?
KanadeSukima Suichi
It was released in 2004 as Sukima Switch’s second single.
It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the theme song for the third night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta.” The lyrics overflow with the resolve to choose a separation that can’t be avoided, the decision to go down different paths, wavering emotions, and loneliness.
It’s a masterpiece whose realism—allowing listeners to picture the scene at the moment of parting—strikes straight to the heart.
Breakup songs by male Japanese artists (11–20)
SaudadePorunogurafiti
The fourth single by Porno Graffitti, titled with the Portuguese word for “homesickness” or “longing.” Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics capture a premonition that her partner’s heart is drifting away, along with the aching inability to let go.
Released in September 2000 as their fourth single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart.
The song was featured as the theme for TBS’s mini-drama Wonderful, used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials, and served as an ending theme for the UHF anime ReLIFE.
Incorporating Latin-style arrangements for the first time, this track became the foundation of the band’s signature sound.
A wistful number recommended for anyone grappling with the fear of a change of heart.
Lovers AgainEXILE
It was EXILE’s 22nd single overall, released in 2007.
The song was used in KDDI’s “au × EXILE Chapter 2 Campaign” commercial.
The lyrics convey the heartache of a man who finds that even the painful memories of being together have now become tender, nostalgic recollections; he naturally drifts back to them and can’t help thinking about the other person.
Blue BenchSasuke
It was released in 2003 as Sasuke’s first single.
As Sasuke’s debut single, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song vividly expresses the regret of wishing he had told his girlfriend “I love you” more, and it has become a popular choice for karaoke.
Romance and LoveSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
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.