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.
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Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
rendezvousshaitoopu
The rock band Shytone, which rose to prominence after a viral hit on social media, released a signature track in April 2023 that sings of a man’s searing emotions after a breakup.
Unable to accept parting from someone he loved deeply, he longs for an impossible reunion; the loneliness of his lover’s traces fading from everyday life is expressed through vocalist So Sasaki’s superb word choices—so moving you might be brought to tears.
The song is also known for surpassing 100 million total streams in November 2023 and is included on the album “Hors d’œuvre.” Why not entrust your heart to its somehow comforting melody that stirs up those bittersweet feelings?
evening primroseNovelbright
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.
GraduationMy Hair is Bad
A track by My Hair is Bad that tells the story of two people sensing changes in their relationship amid the bustle of a station and the cityscape.
It was included on the EP “Jidai o Atsumete,” released in May 2016, and was produced as a kind of sequel to the previous song “Makka.” From the perspective of a timid, awkward young person, the song vividly portrays the growing distance between former lovers.
Its theme is a farewell as a rite of passage—putting a period on a relationship and moving on to the next stage.
Driven by a fast-paced 8-beat and dynamic arrangement, Tomomi Shiiki’s husky voice conveys the ebb and flow of emotion.
It’s a song that stays with you when you want to put an end to an ambiguous relationship with an ex and need the courage to face forward and start walking.
Lovers AgainEXILE
Released in 2007 as EXILE’s 22nd single.
The song was used in the KDDI “au × EXILE Chapter 2 Campaign” commercial, reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and recorded a total of 7 million downloads through digital distribution.
Only a single voicerokudenashi
It’s a poignant song that empathizes with people carrying the pain of heartbreak and the struggle of living.
Released in December 2021, it delicately portrays the loneliness and inner conflict of young people today, accompanied by the gentle tones of the piano.
The emotions expressed by Rokudenashi reflect the image of people who, though hurt by everyday words, still try their best to smile.
The song resonated across borders, reaching No.
1 on Hong Kong’s Spotify Viral Chart and moving many hearts.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to those who can’t quite put their feelings into words or who are wrestling with worries alone.
Its tender melodies and vocals will surely stay close to your heart.
Heart-wrenching breakup song masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
JELLYNumber_i
A Number_i track that likens tender, fragile feelings of love to jelly.
Produced by member Yuta Jinguji, it delicately captures the wistfulness of late summer.
The lyrics ask, “What would the jelly filled with my feelings for you taste like?”—a question that conveys the fear that this love might one day melt away and disappear, tightening the listener’s chest.
Included on their debut album No.I, released in September 2024.
Never again…BENI
“I just want to hear your voice one more time, but I can’t.” This is BENI’s renowned ballad that sings of a heartbreakingly painful wish.
The lyrics, torn between lingering feelings for an unforgettable lover and the resolve to tell oneself there’s no going back to the past, will squeeze the hearts of anyone bearing the same pain.
There’s even an anecdote that BENI herself unexpectedly shed tears during the music video shoot, which speaks to the depth of emotion poured into this piece.
Released in December 2008 and tied in with a MBS-affiliated TV program, its memorable melody—marked by piano and strings—surely lingers in many listeners’ minds.
Also included on the album “Bitter & Sweet,” this song might be the perfect one to let a few quiet tears fall to.