Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.

That’s not fair.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – That's Unfair (Music Video)

They’re someone who says they “love” me, but I know their heart isn’t here.

Even so, I can’t walk away, because those moments when they say it are the only ones that save me.

Wataru Ochiai’s 2021 release sings from the perspective of a woman sinking into a relationship so ambiguous it can’t even be labeled “more than friends, less than lovers,” moving between blaming the other person and loathing herself.

A phone placed face down as they leave; me almost grabbing their arm, then seeing them off with a smile—tiny details of daily life lay bare the reality that I’m not the one.

The simple arrangement, built around acoustic guitar and keys, is chosen to make the words stand out.

Precisely because the vocal delivery is calm and understated, the pain lands with raw immediacy.

After its 2021 release, the song charted in countries around the world, including Thailand, Laos, and Ireland.

The music video features actors Mizuki and Kento Hotta, and is approaching 900,000 views.

For anyone who knows the feeling of “a love you want to end but can’t,” this is a song that will gently stay by your side.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

Released in 2016 as Nogizaka46’s 16th single.

It was Nanami Hashimoto’s final single as a member, and the first and only time she served as center.

This medium-tempo track features a poignant piano line and a beautiful melody that evoke the group’s image, and it teaches us that every farewell has its meaning.

Best-before date of lovetuki.

tuki. 'Best-Before Date of Love' Official Music Video

While sensing the end of love, they still can’t let go of their affection for the other person.

This song by tuki.

portrays that contradictory heart with painfully raw realism.

Frustrated by miscommunication over social media, yet feeling happy just to be by their side—the protagonist’s feelings will inevitably tighten the listener’s chest.

Released in September 2024, exactly one year after the striking debut “Bansanka,” this work is an answer song.

With other tracks featured in PlayStation 5 commercials, tuki.’s unique world continues to captivate many.

If you’ve ever experienced the aching loneliness of a relationship slowly cooling, you’ll surely resonate deeply.

On nights when you’re bewildered by love that’s changing, why not quietly align your heart with this song, alone?

not enoughwacci

wacci 'Tarina i' Music Video

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.

the absolute worstMarushii

Marcy – The Worst of the Worst (Official Music Video)

What words would you cry out when you realize that the heart of the lover you were laughing with until yesterday is no longer turned toward you? Released digitally in March 2022, this song by Marcy captures the complicated mix of anger and lingering attachment toward a fickle partner, set against a fast-paced rock sound.

It was also included on their first album, “Memory,” released in June 2022, and the music video featuring Naenano drew attention.

While venting the frustration of betrayal, the protagonist suffers from being unable to completely hate the other person—perfectly voicing the feelings of someone fresh off a heartbreak.

It’s a song that can support your heart when you’ve gone through a breakup so painful that just remembering it makes your chest tighten.

I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo

Atarayo – “I Didn’t Want to Know, If It Meant Losing You” (Music Video)

This piece portrays the emotional struggle of someone hurt by a lover’s betrayal, yet tormented by feelings that won’t fade.

Released by Atarayo in January 2022, it was produced as an advance single for the album “Gokuya ni Oite Tsuki wa Katarazu.” Born from a collaboration with the platform Jun-Aidan, which features real-life romance stories, the song is based on a story selected from over ten thousand submissions.

Even after being lied to repeatedly by someone you trusted, and knowing in your head that you should break up, you still can’t stop loving them.

It’s a song that will resonate with anyone carrying those contradictory feelings.

Unfit to be a loverKoresawa

Koresawa “Unqualified as a Lover” [Music Video]

A breakup ballad from a male perspective that portrays the anguish and regret of the one who said goodbye.

It’s a self-cover sung from the viewpoint of the man who leaves the room in Koresawa’s signature song “Tabako.” Released as a digital single in June 2019, it was later included on the concept mini-album “Heartbreak Scrap” in January 2020.

Originally written for Miyuhan, the track drew attention with its music video featuring Ryusei Yokohama.

The song movingly captures the conflict of a man who ends the relationship precisely because he loves her, blaming not her but his own shortcomings.

Listening to it alongside “Tabako” deepens your understanding of the couple’s emotional misalignment.

Highly recommended for anyone who’s experienced the end of a cherished relationship or carries guilt over having hurt someone they love.