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 by male Japanese artists (11–20)
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?
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
Although it wasn’t released as a single, this song—featured on the 1992 mini-album “FRIENDS”—is a beloved Christmas classic.
It evokes a poignant sense of longing as memories of being together resurface, contrasted with the reality that the person you thought would be by your side forever is now gone.
Goodbye, my beloved.Shunsuke Kiyokiba
It was released in 2005 as Shunsuke Kiyokiba’s second single.
It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Keiji-beya: Roppongi Okashina Sosa-han,” and reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song expresses the straightforward feelings and emotions of a man who has lost his love.
It’s a track that showcases Kiyokiba’s outstanding vocal ability.
I love you. ~100 Regrets~Sonar Pocket
It was released in 2010 as Sonar Pocket’s first digital single.
It is the ultimate pure love song, expressing the feelings of wanting to see someone, realizing you still love them, and an unwavering affection for that special person.
The song conveys the poignant emotions of a man whose love only grows the more he tries to forget, and who earnestly wishes to start over no matter what.
Rain MelodyKinKi Kids
It was released in 1999 as KinKi Kids’ eighth single.
As a double A-side single with “Ame no Melody / to Heart,” it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song conveys the immense sorrow of realizing that time can’t be turned back, even while feeling regret for not being there when she was needed most, and it expresses the pain of fighting loneliness and solitude.
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.
Breakup songs by male J-Pop artists (21–30)
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.