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)
Dried flowersNEW!Yuuri
A heartrending rock ballad that likens lingering feelings for an ex and emotions that don’t fade with time to flowers.
Released by singer-songwriter Yuuri in October 2020, it was later included on the album “Ichi.” Framed as a female-perspective after-story to the male-viewpoint song “Kakurenbo,” this track’s strong relatability is evident from its achievement of topping the Billboard JAPAN year-end overall chart in 2021.
From the conversational tone of the verses to the explosive power in the chorus, the shifting emotions are superbly expressed.
It will gently accompany those who are trying to move forward despite the pain of heartbreak, or on nights when you want to quietly bask in memories.
Mikan HeartNEW!C&K
There’s nothing more painful than knowing your feelings won’t reach the person you love.
This is a song by the male music duo C&K, made up of CLIEVY and KEEN, released in October 2013 as their 10th single.
It’s a ballad marked by a poignant piano and deeply emotive vocals.
Centered on the theme of an “unfinished heart,” the lyrics portray longing and hurt for someone special, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Many of us have probably had moments—on the way home from work or alone at night—when a sudden memory of someone brought us to tears.
CLIEVY’s high tone layered with KEEN’s warm voice amplifies the heartache.
The music video, featuring Haruma Miura and Naoko Watanabe, also drew attention for its dramatic depiction of the song’s worldview.
Included on the album “CK AND MORE…,” it remains a beloved classic.
It’s a must-listen for adult men who can’t cut off lingering feelings—when your head says you shouldn’t fall in love, but your heart can’t keep up.
Even if you wait for a miracleNEW!Saucy Dog
A bittersweet yet powerful rock ballad by Saucy Dog that portrays love that’s too pure and feelings with nowhere to go.
It delicately expresses the resolve to take a step forward from a passive self that only waits for miracles, as well as intense inner conflict.
Many listeners will likely be moved to tears by vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s emotionally rich singing.
The song was written as the theme for the film “Koi ni Itaru Yamai,” released in October 2025, and was later included on the mini-album “Curry Rice.” Closely tied to the film’s story, this piece will gently nudge the backs of those suffering from unrequited love.
Even as you’re hurt by a reality that won’t go your way, it will soothe your heart as you wish to look ahead.
Snow WhiteNEW!Marushii
This is a wistful winter love ballad by Marcy, a band from Fukuoka, opening with bell tones that evoke the crisp winter air.
Carrying an unrequited love, the lyrics lament time that will never return with “what if, back then,” and you may find yourself in tears from the sympathy.
Ukyo Yoshida’s delicate, emotive vocals and the warm sound crafted by Rui Momota gently cradle a wounded heart.
Released digitally in December 2020 and later included on the album “Memory,” this song is one you’ll want to hear if you’re regretting a missed chance or if your love came to an end on Valentine’s Day.
me me sheRADWIMPS
It’s a ballad that gently stays by your side in that hollowed-out feeling of loss, as if there’s a hole in your heart.
The song is included on RADWIMPS’ album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.
Although it wasn’t released as a single, it can be called a hidden masterpiece that has been loved by many listeners for years.
In a way that overlaps with how the title “Memeshii” is read, it portrays with raw honesty the lingering feelings for a former lover mingled with one’s own ego.
The warm tone of the guitar and the conversational vocals really hit home, and each listen may bring a tightening ache to your chest.
On nights when there’s someone you simply can’t forget, or when you want to cry your heart out and look forward, why not give it a listen?
Don’t Leave MeB’z
This is a track whose lyrics vividly portray an unavoidable farewell with a gripping sense of urgency, set to a heavy blues-rock sound that hits you right in the chest.
From the intro, where the blues harp tugs at your heartstrings, you’re instantly drawn into its world.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s vulnerability and are sure to resonate deeply with men nursing the pain of heartbreak.
Released in February 1994 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “New Airport Story,” it was later included on the album “The 7th Blues.” Marking a sharp turn from their earlier pop-leaning style to a harder musical approach, this work became a pivotal turning point in the band’s history.
Many who heard it in their youth were likely blown away by Matsumoto’s guitar and Inaba’s vocals.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to play on nights when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of a bittersweet past love.
You are freeCHAGE and ASKA
Recut from the 16th album “RED HILL,” this is CHAGE and ASKA’s 33rd single, released in November 1993.
At the time, it was featured as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “J.O.,” and the music video starring Hong Kong star Michelle Reis left a strong impression.
Blending urban sounds with 90s R&B and emotive choral work by 14 Karat Soul, the track is truly moving.
The lyrics, which accept a breakup by acknowledging the other person’s righteousness—a quietly adult kind of sorrow—are sure to resonate.
Because it unfolds at a relaxed tempo, you’ll want to be careful not to lag behind the rhythm, but it’s a song to sink into on a night when you want to gently soothe the pain of heartbreak.