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!
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- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
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Just hearing them makes your chest tighten… Recommended breakup songs for the Yutori Generation (41–50)
Lovers AgainEXILE
While it’s a bittersweet romantic ballad, this song is also a masterpiece that exudes mature allure.
Released in January 2007, it originated as the required piece for EXILE’s vocalist audition and was featured in au’s “LISMO!” campaign commercial.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart, selling over 250,000 copies, and ranked in the top 10 of karaoke charts for three consecutive years.
The melodic composition and deeply poetic lyrics that portray two lovers draw listeners in.
This track is perfect for a night when you want to spend time leisurely by candlelight or reminisce about precious memories with someone special.
It also makes a great soundtrack for a calm nighttime drive.
Be sure to give this sophisticated, adult-tinged song a listen.
Sakura GirlNEWS
Sung by NEWS, this song portrays a fleeting love that begins with the arrival of spring and ends like falling cherry blossoms.
The lyrics weave a beautiful story filled with a range of emotions, using cherry blossoms—an emblem of spring—as a motif to exquisitely express the poignancy of meeting and parting.
Released in March 2010, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a song that stays close to the heart during springtime scenes of new encounters and farewells.
LonelyNulbarich
A bittersweet vocal intertwines with mellow sounds to create a song that sinks deep into the heart.
While it explores themes of loneliness and the regret of parting, the protagonist’s earnest wish to reunite with their loved one is conveyed through a sultry, alluring voice.
The captivating beat and chorus melody blend the poignancy and elegance of a mature romance.
Included on Nulbarich’s April 2021 album NEW GRAVITY, the track showcases a refined sense of groove in perfect harmony with JQ’s soulful vocals.
It’s an ideal song for a nighttime drive or for spending relaxed, intimate moments with someone special.
Winter and Springback number
Back number’s stirring melodies and delicate vocals beautifully capture the emotions of moving on from heartbreak amid the transition from winter to spring.
Produced in January 2024, the piece was helmed by Masanori Shimada, who also produced “Suiheisen,” and the music video marks Iyori Shimizu’s first attempt at directing.
The use of snow-covered asphalt on the jacket symbolically expresses both the change of seasons and the transformation of the heart.
It’s a song that resonates with the pain of heartbreak—an experience shared by all—and the journey of recovery that follows, making it a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
My love was overflowing.mosao.
This is a song by Mosao that brims with overflowing affection and the bittersweet ache of parting.
Its gentle vocals and the warm sound of acoustic guitar offer comfort to anyone who has experienced the pain of heartbreak.
Released in September 2020, the track spread mainly through social media and resonated with many listeners.
It’s highly recommended for those who have gone through a breakup and find themselves longing for happier times.
Each listen brings back memories of that special someone and gives you a sense of emotional cleansing.