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 J-Pop Artists (51–60)
lingering loveKitatani Ruki
Ruki Kitadani, who also made waves with the 2023 Pocari Sweat commercial song “Ao ga Mau,” is a singer-songwriter born in 2003 from Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.
His song “Koinokori” is one I especially want heartbroken men to hear.
The lyrics are like a treasure box of memories, mentioning places like the convenience store they often went to together and the path where they took walks on dates.
Even amid the lingering attachment, you can still feel the love he has for her.
It’s a tearjerker for anyone who can’t switch their feelings off right away—an absolute must-listen.
breakup songOkazaki Taiiku
A song by Okazaki Taiiku that depicts the pain of heartbreak and the path to recovery.
The protagonist, who has gone through a major breakup, looks back on memorable places and experiences while renewing their determination to move forward, which leaves a strong impression.
Sprinkled with humorous expressions, it both empathizes with those who’ve endured a painful separation and gives them the courage to take the next step.
Released in March 2024 as a track on the EP “Suplex,” it feels poised to become a new standard among breakup songs.
It might be the perfect track for those trying to overcome heartbreak or struggling with love.
Phone NumberIwatatakanori
A soulful track by Takanori Iwata that elevates the ache of heartbreak into a mature love song.
From the viewpoint of a protagonist wandering neon-lit streets, it delicately portrays a fleeting goodbye and lingering regret.
Marking a new chapter in his solo career, the work features refined, soul- and funk-based production that showcases unprecedented expressiveness and allure.
Ahead of its February 2025 release, a teaser video dropped late last year, stoking anticipation.
It has also been performed on the arena tour “ARTLESS,” drawing a huge response.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor the sweet, bittersweet atmosphere of the night alongside an urban sound.
It’s a song with adult charm that makes you want to stroll through the city after dark, lost in memories of a broken heart.
JōkyōYuuma
This song portrays a bittersweet love that pierces the heart.
Through Yuma’s rich, resonant vocals, you can feel the regret and lingering attachment toward a lover parted with after moving to the city.
Images of gnawing loneliness are woven throughout the lyrics, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.
Released in September 2024, this is Yuma’s seventh digital single.
It exudes a mood perfectly suited to long autumn nights, making it a track you’ll want to hear if you’re soothing the pain of heartbreak or trying to move on from a farewell with someone dear.
Breakup songs sung by male Japanese artists (61–70)
After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke
Released in 1994 as Keisuke Kuwata’s fifth single.
It was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Shizukanaru Don” and as a commercial song for Kirin’s “JIVE,” in which he himself appeared.
The lyrics, told from the perspective of a timid, unambitious man—a viewpoint rarely seen in his solo work—are striking.
We really should cherish the women who say they love us.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
A love song that strikingly portrays a man trying to keep his pride even as he’s tormented by the premonition of a breakup.
The scene of a lover packing up and leaving in the middle of the night is exquisitely rendered through Yu Aku’s delicate words and Katsuo Ono’s wistful melody.
The conflicting emotions—lingering attachment to the other and a man’s stubborn pride—intertwine, and Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals shake the soul.
Released in May 1977, the song claimed the No.
1 spot on the Oricon weekly chart for a total of five weeks.
It went on to achieve the remarkable feat of sweeping numerous music awards that year, including the Japan Record Award.
A gem of a masterpiece that resonates deeply with those who have experienced parting with someone precious or who stand at a crossroads in life.
GLASSKawamura Ryuuichi
Released in 1997 as Ryuichi Kawamura’s second single.
Including his time with LUNA SEA, this was the first song by Ryuichi Kawamura to sell over a million copies, and it remains his only million-selling solo hit.
It was used as the ending theme for the TV program “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle.” The song’s arrangement and melody overflow with the pain and heartbreak of a lost love, and Kawamura’s voice further elevates the piece.