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 (41–50)
Hold my soulHimuro Kyosuke
Released in 1995 as Kyosuke Himuro’s 11th single.
It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Kaze no Keiji: Tokyo-hatsu!” and became his second best-selling release.
The lyrics stylishly and elegantly express adult romance and the feelings of a clumsy, selfish man.
It’s not about a direct breakup, but the song carries a certain sense of melancholy.
the absolute worstMarushii
This is a song by Marcy about breaking up with a lover.
It expresses complex emotions—anger, sadness, and lingering affection toward an ex—through exhilarating sound and heartrending lyrics.
Even while thinking “You’re the worst,” the inner conflict of still being in love really resonates.
Released in June 2022, it also drew attention for its music video featuring influencer Naenano.
It’s a track that supports those carrying the pain of heartbreak or hoping to cut lingering ties with an ex.
Listening to it might give you the courage to take a new step forward.
somedaySaucy Dog
A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.
Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.
Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.
Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.
Goodbyeofukōsu
This is a pure love ballad that poignantly portrays the end of a romance, released as an Off Course single in December 1979.
With Kazumasa Oda’s warm yet translucent vocals and a heart-stirring melody, the song richly conveys the sorrow of parting.
Its gentle, relatable lyrics—about a first heartbreak or a bittersweet farewell to someone dear—have made it a beloved classic that quietly resonates with listeners.
It was also featured as an insert song in the first season of the TBS drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B” and later included on the album “SELECTION 1978-81.” As a song that stands by you through the poignant end of love that comes with winter’s chill, it’s especially recommended for those facing a farewell with someone important.
Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke
This is a ballad that poignantly depicts memories of a couple’s date at an amusement park and their bittersweet parting.
It weaves together contrasting scenes: a past moment of riding a carousel in the rain, and the present, where the narrator catches sight of a former lover with shorter hair, looking happy.
The lingering attachment the protagonist still feels, along with a quiet resolve to face forward and live on, gently presses on the heart.
A warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano highlights the story-rich lyrics.
Included on Sasuke’s album “Smile,” the piece was released in October 2004, reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts, sold over 450,000 copies, and was certified Platinum.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day, especially when you’re trying to heal the pain of a broken heart.
Hide-and-seekYuuri
A poignant ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in lover to the children’s game of hide-and-seek.
Through images of a tumbler left behind and a messy room, it vividly portrays a man’s heart steeped in emptiness and loneliness.
Yuuri’s delicate vocals, paired with a simple, guitar-centered arrangement, superbly convey the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2019, the recording was supervised by Hiro of MY FIRST STORY.
The music video, directed by Elizabeth Miyaji and featuring actress Yuu Kinoyama, further deepens the work’s world.
It is a gem of a love song that closely resonates with those who have just experienced a breakup or who still harbor longing for someone dear.
lovernavy&ivory
A classic song that captures the ache of regret and lingering feelings after a bittersweet love, and a signature work by navy&ivory.
Mizuki Aigo’s graceful piano melodies blend beautifully with Masaaki Shimoji’s warm vocals, richly expressing the pain of heartbreak and the longing for a loved one.
Released in September 2007, it was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV information program “Sukkiri!!” for that month, and was also included on the album “Hiiragi.” It’s a perfect song for autumn’s long nights leading into wedding season, for those who want to look back on a memorable romance.
This heartwarming piece, filled with memories of someone special, gently encourages you to step forward into tomorrow with a calm and hopeful heart.