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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- [Women Artists Only] Breakup Songs Recommended for Gen Z
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Breakup songs recommended for people in their 90s: a collection of timeless tracks that comfort the heart
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Breakup songs popular among women in their 20s. Tear-jerking love songs.
- Recommended breakup songs for high school students: classic and popular J-pop tracks
- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
- Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Recommended breakup songs by male artists for the Yutori generation
Just hearing them makes your chest tighten… Recommended breakup songs for the Yutori Generation (41–50)
planetariumOtsuka Ai
A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.
Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.
freesiaMarushii
A heartfelt breakup song that portrays the pain of parting.
It’s a track by the rock band Marcy, released in April 2025.
The grand arrangement woven from guitars and strings, along with lyrics from a female perspective that vividly capture the inner turmoil of saying goodbye, truly resonate.
Many listeners will likely relate to the awkwardness that comes through in every phrase.
It’s a song that gently encourages anyone trying to reclaim themselves.
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.
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.
contact lens caseSaucy Dog
Just as you cherish and tuck away mementos, you want to gently store the pain of heartbreak in your heart.
This Saucy Dog song resonates with that feeling.
The bittersweet ache of waiting, somewhere inside, for someone who will never return, softly echoes over a calm melody.
Included on the album Salad Days, this track has been soothing the hearts of those who’ve experienced heartbreak since its release in May 2018.
Each time you notice traces of memories etched into everyday things and feel the warmth of those days again, this is a song that quietly stays by your side.
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.
Yorunagi feat. nishinaindigo la End
It’s a piece whose delicate melody, as if capturing a quiet winter night, resonates in the heart.
While preserving indigo la End’s unchanging kindness and warmth, the collaboration with nishina adds a new allure.
Set to be included on the album “MOLTING AND DANCING,” scheduled for release on January 29, 2025, this track envelops you in a gentle atmosphere that soothes the fatigue of everyday life.
The guitar’s transparent tone and the vocals woven over a relaxed rhythm leave a pure, beautiful impression like a winter night sky.
It’s a song that stays close to you when you want to slowly calm your mind at the end of a busy day or quietly face yourself in a tranquil moment.