Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

Released in 1998 as Spitz’s 19th single.

It was a single cut from the album “Fake Fur” and was used as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

Among breakup songs covered by many artists regardless of gender, it remains a highly popular classic.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

This is a song by wacci that sings of a woman’s aching heart as she chooses love for her own sake.

Haven’t you ever tried desperately to tuck a past relationship away as a memory, telling yourself that your current partner is more wonderful than the one you broke up with? Created by vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece skillfully contrasts a present love that makes you overreach with a past love where you could be yourself, portraying a wavering state of mind with finesse.

After its digital release in August 2018, it spread by word of mouth and became a long-running hit, surpassing 100 million streams.

Even though she’s decided they’ll never meet again, the final lines let her true feelings slip out—so real they strike straight to the heart.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

It’s a song by Koresawa that portrays the painful regret and helplessness of realizing the importance of something only after losing it.

The belongings left behind in the apartment where they once lived together have now become cherished mementos.

The protagonist’s realization that their own immaturity led to the breakup is depicted with striking realism.

Released in March 2017, this was her final indie work.

For anyone who has endured the anguish of losing someone precious because of their own mistakes, this song will gently stay by your side.

Bye-bye, babyTHE BLUE HEARTS

Bye-bye, baby

A song with a curious charm that wraps the ache of heartbreak in a bright, poppy sound.

The lyrics by Masatoshi Mashima portray a heart shrunken by lost love through distinctive metaphors—something many listeners may have related to.

This track is included on the album “PAN,” released in July 1995 as the band’s final original record.

It was also used as the ending theme for an NHK-FM program at the time, so some may remember it.

Parting is sad, but the song’s light, buoyant melody can gently lift a heavy heart.

When you’ve lost something and find yourself standing still, it’s a warm anthem that softly gives you a push forward.

Like this tonightaimyon

Aimyon – Stay Like This Tonight [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a song by Aimyon that portrays a helpless night where you dissolve your true feelings into the bubbles in your glass and surrender yourself to an ambiguous relationship.

Wishing for no more than a modest trigger to feel fulfilled evokes emotions akin to the resignation of unrequited love.

Released in November 2018, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “We Can’t Become Beasts,” and has been streamed over 100 million times.

If you’ve ever been unable to tell someone how you really feel and felt like you might as well just go with the flow, you’ll surely understand the protagonist’s pain.

Doesn’t it feel like this song gently stays close to a heart burdened with feelings that have nowhere to go?

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

Goodbyeofukōsu

Sayonara

This is a pure love ballad that poignantly portrays the end of a romance, released as an Off Course single in December 1979.

With Kazumasa Oda’s warm yet translucent vocals and a heart-stirring melody, the song richly conveys the sorrow of parting.

Its gentle, relatable lyrics—about a first heartbreak or a bittersweet farewell to someone dear—have made it a beloved classic that quietly resonates with listeners.

It was also featured as an insert song in the first season of the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and later included on the album “SELECTION 1978-81.” As a song that stands by you through the poignant end of love that comes with winter’s chill, it’s especially recommended for those facing a farewell with someone important.