Breakup songs by female artists recommended for the yutori generation
There are countless masterpieces of breakup songs throughout the history of the J-pop scene.
From raw, realistic songs that make you empathize just by listening, to poetic and beautiful ones that spark the imagination, each one has a story that’s sure to move your heart.
So this time, we’ve put together a list of songs by female artists—breakup tracks especially recommended for the yutori generation.
They’re great picks for karaoke, too, so be sure to check them out!
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- Breakup songs popular among women in their 20s. Tear-jerking love songs.
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- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
- Breakup songs that female college students will want to sing at karaoke
- Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
Breakup songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation (21–30)
I don’t want to see you; I want to see you.Ueno Yūka
A ballad by Yuuka Ueno that sets painfully bittersweet scenes of heartbreak—so vivid they make your chest ache just remembering—against a simple, piano-led melody.
Six months after the breakup, the protagonist’s heart is still tangled in conflicting emotions born from being unable to forget their former lover: aching to see them, yet not wanting to.
Included on the January 2019 album “Sukina Hito wa Anata datta” (“You Were the One I Loved”), this song is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has gone through a breakup and still hasn’t sorted out their feelings.
When they suddenly come to mind in a quiet moment, why not listen to this track and face your true feelings?
maybeYOASOBI
A YOASOBI song that depicts a memorable morning of parting.
The protagonist’s quiet farewell is conveyed through delicate words and a heartrending melody.
Released digitally in July 2020, it was also used as the theme song for a short film of the same name.
The lyrics, which portray the complex emotions left after a breakup and the changes in a relationship, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced a springtime farewell or who wish to reflect on memories with someone dear.
Breakup songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation (ages 31–40)
Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri
This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.
Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.
The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.
It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.
So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.
A heart-stirring ballad by Riria.
that gently embraces the delicate emotions of a woman tossed around by someone’s misleading behavior.
With a tender, translucent voice, she vividly portrays a woman who struggles with helpless longing yet cannot sever her lingering feelings.
Released digitally in October 2021, the song also drew major attention with its music video that premiered the same year.
If you sing it earnestly at karaoke, it’s sure to resonate with anyone who knows the pain of heartbreak.
It’s a song that quietly stays by the side of those facing a farewell with someone dear.
LiarUeto Aya
Aya Ueto delivers a moving song that delicately portrays a person trying to move forward after a breakup while hiding their true feelings.
The folkloric, wistful melody and her clear, translucent voice vividly express the emotions of someone putting on a brave face yet still thinking of their former partner.
Released in November 2004 as Ueto’s 10th single, the song was written and composed by Tetsurō Oda and included on the album “Re.” It’s a track that many who are striving to stay positive after heartbreak—while keeping their deepest feelings hidden—will deeply relate to.
Her vocals convey both strength and aching tenderness, sure to leave your heart feeling warm.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A youthful love song by Hikaru Utada, whose lyrical piano tones and crystalline vocals sink deep into the heart.
The sorrow of parting and precious memories are woven together with care, and the recollection of first love returns like a film playing inside your mind.
Many will relate to the protagonist’s feeling that, even if a new romance comes along after the end of one, they can’t forget their first love.
Released in March 1999 on the album “First Love,” it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” broadcast the same year.
It’s a song that truly stays by the side of anyone who has experienced farewell with someone dear and is trying to move forward while holding those memories deep in their heart.
Sentimental KissShio Reira
A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.
The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.
Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.
Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.