Recommended breakup songs by male artists for the Yutori generation
Love songs told from a male perspective have a different vibe than those from a female perspective, don’t they?
Because men are often seen as stronger compared to women, that contrast can make the message feel even more heartrending.
So this time, we’re introducing breakup songs by male artists that we recommend for the yutori generation.
We’ve listed not only ballads but also up-tempo tracks with a driving feel and danceable numbers, so they’re great picks for karaoke too!
Recommended breakup songs (1–10) by male artists for the Yutori generation
dead endNEW!Hoshino Gen
This song, whose poignant yearning to reclaim lost time resonates deeply, is a work by Gen Hoshino.
It was written as the theme song for the film “Hiraba no Tsuki,” released in November 2025.
Created after the landmark album “Gen,” this piece is characterized by an extremely simple arrangement of just piano and voice, exquisitely depicting an adult living on while carrying regret for a once‑beloved person and emotions with no place to go.
Standing at the end of a love that can never return, the clumsy determination of a man who still tries to look forward will surely bring you to tears.
It’s a number I hope those who wish to spend a quiet night alone, gently holding the pain of a finished love, will listen to.
Blue BenchSasuke
This is the debut single by Sasuke, a male duo from Saitama Prefecture formed by high school classmates.
During their indie days, the song spread mainly by word of mouth and became popular nationwide, earning a legendary reputation for selling 5,000 copies at a single store.
Released in April 2004, it continued to be loved by many over the years, even reaching No.
1 on the iTunes J-POP chart in 2009.
Its lyrics, depicting unchanging feelings and regret, are ones many listeners may find themselves overlaying with their own youth.
Accompanied by the delicate tones of an acoustic guitar, it’s a nostalgic breakup song that stirs the heart.
Happy Endingback number
A song that could be called the essence of back number, with lyrics brimming with heartache that deeply move many listeners.
It delicately portrays the emotional turmoil that follows a breakup.
Released in November 2016 as their 16th single, it was used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” While the key is high, the vocal range is narrow, so if you set a key that suits you at karaoke, you can sing it comfortably.
However, since there’s a high tone using falsetto toward the end, be sure to account for that when setting the key and take care not to go off pitch.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
A song by EXILE that poignantly expresses feelings for a lost love.
Released as a single in December 2005, it became a popular number and was also featured in a KDDI commercial.
It generated major buzz, including reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
With powerful vocals, it conveys regret over a past breakup and a heartfelt wish to meet again.
The clumsiness of the past and the remorse for having hurt a loved one resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
A classic ballad sure to move audiences at karaoke as well.
DOLLSJanne Da Arc
A visual kei rock masterpiece by Janne Da Arc where poignancy and beauty coexist.
Released in May 2004, this song resonates with lyrics that portray the emotional turbulence after heartbreak and a deeply emotional melody.
Yasu’s powerful yet heartrending vocals and you’s dramatic guitar weave a soundscape that vividly expresses the pain of parting and lingering attachment.
It’s a song that supports those bearing the pain of a breakup or anyone who has said goodbye to someone important.
It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke when you want to sort out your feelings.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
A four-member piano pop band, Official HIGE DANDism, which has taken the J-pop scene by storm with sophisticated song structures, released this as their second single.
Written as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: The Movie (Romance), it dominated the charts after its release in May 2019.
Its lyrics, portraying inner conflict over the fate of a romance, and its memorable chorus resonated widely, earning support from listeners across generations.
While the tempo is relaxed, the overall key is high and the melody features many leaps, so it’s recommended to sing it in a key that suits your voice.
Though a ballad, it’s a famous song almost everyone has heard at least once, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser for karaoke.
me me sheRADWIMPS
This song is included on RADWIMPS’ album “RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~.” The title, with its multiple meanings, really leaves an impression.
The lyrics, mixing feelings of affection for the other person with self-centered emotions, portray an awkward kind of love that anyone can relate to.
Released in December 2006, the album reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
Expressing the complex emotions of a man who, while carrying the pain of heartbreak, tries to look forward, it’s a track that resonates with anyone struggling in love.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke and is recommended when you want to look back on memories of romance.