Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
Heartbreak songs have always stirred our emotions with their bittersweet ache.
Even in today’s world, where young people are said to be drifting away from romance, the pain of a broken heart remains the same.
Here, we’ve picked out a selection of breakup songs from the J-POP scene that we especially recommend to the yutori generation.
From universally known stars to the new wave of artists, we’ve gathered a wide range of hit tracks—give them a listen!
Just hearing them makes your chest tighten... Recommended heartbreak songs for the Yutori generation (1–10)
Happy Endingback number
This is the 16th single by the three-piece rock band back number, chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The sentimental strings blend with delicate acoustic guitar to evoke the aching sorrow of heartbreak.
The lyrics, which portray the pain of a long-distance relationship and the inner turmoil of parting, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Released in November 2016, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring Erika Karata.
With a story and arrangement that harmonize to stir the soul, it’s a dramatic number that will bring you to tears.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
A ballad number that captivates with its masterful sound crafting and emotionally stirring lyrics.
Released in May 2019 as Official HIGE DANDism’s second single, it also served as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP: The Movie.” The lyrics delicately portray the feelings that sway between unrequited love and reality, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
After its release, the song drew widespread empathy from listeners and became a long-running hit.
If you’re part of the yutori generation and struggling with love, give it a listen—the heartfelt lyrics and melody are sure to lift your spirits.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu that expresses deep love and pain toward a former partner.
With a simple yet profoundly emotional melody and lyrics, his sensitive vocals resonate deeply.
Included on the 2015 album “Bremen,” this track became one of the turning points as Yonezu embarked on his path to becoming one of Japan’s leading artists.
While carrying the ache of heartbreak, the lyrics also convey a warmth and a sense of hope, offering comfort to those struggling with love.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to feel the bittersweetness of romance or soothe the pain of a broken heart.
366 daysHY
A song by HY, a four-member hybrid band based in Okinawa.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Threads of Destiny,” it is included on their fifth indie album, “HeartY.” The poignant lyrics and melody, drawn from keyboard vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s real-life experience, likely resonated with many women.
Written from the experience of parting with someone you love, the lyrics brim with authenticity.
Released in April 2008, this track has become one of HY’s signature songs—a gem of a breakup ballad—even though it was never released as a single.
It’s a song to listen to when you’ve had your heart broken and just want to cry your heart out.
HANABI 〜episode II〜Hamasaki Ayumi
A classic by J-POP diva Ayumi Hamasaki that poignantly captures the fleeting sorrow of love through the metaphor of fireworks.
Included on the single “&,” released in July 2003, this song vividly portrays the scenes of late summer.
Its lyrics, which intertwine lingering feelings for a lost love and memories of the past with the image of beautifully fading fireworks, resonate deeply with listeners.
The track was also featured on the mini-album “Memorial address” released in December 2003 and the best-of album “A SUMMER BEST” released in August 2012, and it has long been cherished as a quintessential summer song.
It’s a piece you’ll want to hear if you’re nursing the pain of heartbreak or quietly holding dear memories in your heart.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
A song that depicts the pain and regret of heartbreak, marked by Koresawa’s delicate vocals and realistic lyrics.
Released in March 2017 as her final indie work, it paved the way for her subsequent major-label debut.
It skillfully portrays the protagonist’s contradictory feelings: though she used to hate cigarettes, the scent now makes her long for the ex she remembers.
Koresawa’s ability to draw deep emotion from everyday moments is truly her forte.
This track is perfect for those who want to heal the pain of a breakup or reflect on their relationships with loved ones.
CharlesSuda Keina
A song that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak has arrived from Keina Suda, who is also active as a Vocaloid producer.
It captures the complex emotions of a breakup with a driving melody and sentimental lyrics.
First released in October 2016 using the VOCALOID v flower, it was later followed by a self-cover version.
The track also became popular in karaoke, taking first place on JOYSOUND’s overall annual karaoke ranking for songs released in 2017.
In May 2023, an acoustic arrangement was showcased on THE FIRST TAKE.
Depicting a relationship where love and hate, understanding and misunderstanding intersect, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to savor the bittersweetness of heartbreak.