Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
It seems that when you’re feeling down, listening to somber songs rather than forcing yourself to listen to upbeat ones is actually better for your heart.
This time, we’ve put together a collection of Japanese breakup songs to send to you, who are hurting from heartbreak.
Let yourself fully relate to the songs you connect with, and clear your mind.
- A breakup song with great lyrics. A beautiful message that lingers in the heart.
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
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Masterpieces of bittersweet heartbreak songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Love? (As if.)Hitsuji Bungaku
“Koi Nante” by Hitsujibungaku vividly captures the pain that lingers in everyday life after a romance ends, as well as the lingering attachment to a former lover.
It’s the closing track on their EP “Zawameki,” released in February 2020, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a hidden gem.
The steady, understated beat instead highlights emotional instability, tightening the listener’s chest.
As vocalist Moeka Shiotsuka has said, she set out to write a love song, and the lyrics delicately portray those contradictory feelings—trying to accept a breakup while still harboring a faint hope.
On a night when you want to quietly reflect on the end of a love, why not listen to it alone and take it in?
Good ByeHY
A ballad marked by the piano’s gentle timbre and a vocal performance that speaks to the heart.
Featured on the 14th album HANAEMI, released in February 2021, this track was written and composed by Nakasone.
Unlike a song that simply dwells in the sorrow of heartbreak, it conveys gratitude toward the other person and embodies the strength to look forward, resulting in a piece that gently encourages the listener.
It’s sure to give you courage when you want to overcome the pain of parting and take a new step forward.
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku
On an autumn night when the season’s presence deepens, have you ever found yourself stirred by a faint sweet scent that awakens old memories? Many people may have experienced a gentle recollection surfacing when they catch the fragrance of fragrant olive on a street corner.
This song by Kinoko Teikoku is a track from their album “Time Lapse,” released in September 2018.
The transparent vocals woven by Chiaki Sato and the nostalgic, emotional melody sink deeply into the heart.
On a quiet night spent alone, why not immerse yourself completely as you reminisce about a past love?
Timeless gems of heart-wrenching breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
You are freeCHAGE and ASKA
Recut from the 16th album “RED HILL,” this is CHAGE and ASKA’s 33rd single, released in November 1993.
At the time, it was featured as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “J.O.,” and the music video starring Hong Kong star Michelle Reis left a strong impression.
Blending urban sounds with 90s R&B and emotive choral work by 14 Karat Soul, the track is truly moving.
The lyrics, which accept a breakup by acknowledging the other person’s righteousness—a quietly adult kind of sorrow—are sure to resonate.
Because it unfolds at a relaxed tempo, you’ll want to be careful not to lag behind the rhythm, but it’s a song to sink into on a night when you want to gently soothe the pain of heartbreak.
Stay by my sideAbe Mao
It was released in 2011 as Mao Abe’s seventh single.
The song was written and composed by Mao Abe, and she wrote it in her senior year of high school.
Although the romance has already ended, it’s a heartbreaking breakup song that many will relate to, with a desperate cry of “Please stay by my side…”
not enoughwacci
This is a heartbreak song overflowing with poignancy, capturing the emotional turmoil of trying to sever lingering feelings for an ex.
Featured on wacci’s 2019 album Empathy, the track stands out for its lyrics written from a woman’s perspective.
Though she still has feelings, the protagonist’s struggle to choose a clean break in order to move forward is deeply affecting.
Positioned as a side story to “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo,” a one-take recording was also released in 2020.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s gone from mutual love to one-sided, or who wants to move on but can’t quite bring themselves to do it.
codependencyDomura Riu
It’s a song about a relationship that can’t be called healthy—wanting to be needed, being used for convenience, and still being unable to leave.
Created by Riu Domura, a singer from Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, it was included on the 2019 debut EP “Escape.” Even while recognizing the love is false, they hold each other, staying close only to fill their loneliness.
The protagonist realizes they’re just the other person’s toy, yet can’t break free; that anguish unfolds over a chill track.
In the end, all that remains is loneliness—an aching futility that hits home.
It may encourage those struggling in unhealthy relationships or those who want to break away.