Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.

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?

OrangeSMAP

Orange – SMAP (Full)

It was released in 2000 as the coupling track to SMAP’s 32nd single, “Lion Heart.” Despite being a B-side, it has been widely embraced across generations as a classic heartbreak song and frequently ranks high on karaoke charts.

It’s a masterpiece where the orange hue of the sunset perfectly matches the poignancy of lost love.

Song of the Eternal NightKamisama wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

A poignant breakup song that captures the pain of the moment you realize the person you loved is drifting away.

Created by God Doesn’t Roll Dice, the track was included on the mini-album “A View on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

It later gained attention primarily on TikTok from spring 2020, and the official lyric video on YouTube surpassed 10 million views.

The piano tones and the earnest vocals of Shusaku Yanagida quietly portray a yearning for days that will never return.

The protagonist can’t accept the other person’s change of heart, yet still wishes to meet them once more—an image that will resonate with anyone carrying the pain of unrequited love or heartbreak.

The reasons for the breakup can be interpreted in various ways, making this a song I’d recommend even to those who feel they are on the verge of losing someone important right now.

You’re not here.SixTONES

SixTONES – You’re Not Here [YouTube ver.]

A SixTONES track that candidly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

In the protagonist, who repeats the same ordinary mornings, you catch a glimpse of the emptiness that follows a breakup.

The earnest line, “If I had you, I wouldn’t need anything else,” really pierces the heart.

Included on the album THE VIBES, the song was released in January 2024.

The music video was created by animator Emumero and illustrator Pikata.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those whose heartbreak hasn’t healed and who feel the loneliness of losing someone precious.

Romance and LoveSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J Soul Brothers from Exile Tribe / Koi to Ai

A gem of a ballad by Sandaime J SOUL Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, told from a male perspective about the resolve to part ways.

Included on the album “FUTURE,” released in June 2018, the song was also used as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri” and in commercials for the job site Baitoru NEXT.

It portrays the adult, heartrending choice of parting ways because of the difficulty in moving from infatuation to true love, and the feeling that one cannot make the other person happy.

Even though his feelings haven’t faded—in fact, precisely because he cares—he chooses to leave, and his emotions resonate deeply.

A beautiful piano- and strings-driven melody is layered with the heartfelt vocals of Ryuji Imaichi and Hiroomi Tosaka, moving listeners to tears.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

codependencyDomura Riu

Codependence / Riu Domura (Lyric Video)

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.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

This work portrays a poignant state of mind: unable to forget a once‑beloved person, the protagonist can’t help but keep chasing their lingering shadow as memories of days gone by well up.

Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s delicate high-tone voice gently envelops the pain of a protagonist who cannot accept the breakup.

The grand sound centered on piano and strings is another highlight.

It’s a song to listen to when you want something to stay close to the pain of heartbreak, or when you can’t take a step into a new love.