Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

Released in 1999 as Hikaru Utada’s third single.

It was a single cut from the album “First Love” and was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Majo no Joken” (Forbidden Love).

It topped the Oricon karaoke chart for 15 consecutive weeks and is celebrated as one of Utada’s signature songs.

Rain MelodyKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “Rain Melody - YouTube Original Live -”

It was released in 1999 as Kinki Kids’ eighth single.

It reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with the sorrow of a man’s heartbreak resonating with the rain to heighten the sense of poignancy.

From a male perspective overflowing with lingering regrets, it’s an adult breakup song.

Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

B’z – Itsuka no Merry Christmas

It’s a song included on B’z’s mini-album “FRIENDS,” released in 1992.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it has remained a beloved Christmas standard over many years.

It’s a poignant ballad that conveys just how happy the time spent together was.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

This song was written as the theme for the drama “Eye Love You” starring Fumi Nikaido, and it’s performed by the piano rock band Omoinotake.

Its theme is steadfast love that never fades, no matter how far apart you are—even transcending time.

While the bright, exhilarating sound makes your heart dance, the lyrics portray a poignant longing for someone you may never meet again, and that contrast really hits home.

After its release in February 2024, the song captured so many hearts that it surpassed 100 million streams at the sixth-fastest pace in history.

When you can’t easily see someone important to you, this song is sure to gently stay by your side.

Please forget it.Yorushika

Yorushika – Please Forget (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A song by Yorushika whose gentle melody and soul-soothing vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The theme centers on self-sacrificial love, as the narrator wishes for their beloved to “forget” them for the sake of the beloved’s future.

Yet behind those words seems to lie a desperate, contradictory feeling of “I actually don’t want you to forget,” and that tension tightens the listener’s chest.

Released in July 2024 as the theme song for the drama “GO HOME: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department—Unidentified Persons Consultation Office,” this sentimental number quietly stays by your side on nights when you’re nursing heartbreak or immersing yourself in memories of someone dear.

Even if I give you everything, you still won’t love me.takayan

Even if I give you everything, you still won’t love me.

This is a heartbreak song distinguished by its wistful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Takayan’s soul-stirring vocals vividly convey the feelings of a protagonist tormented by unrequited love.

If you’ve ever experienced the ache of offering pure affection only to have it go unreturned, you’ll surely relate.

Released in May 2024, this track offers comfort to those struggling with love.

It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the wounds of a breakup or sort out your emotions.

It will surely stay close to your heart.

handsKōda Kumi

Koda Kumi / “hands” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

Released in 2005 as Kumi Koda’s 14th single.

The lyrics were written by Kumi Koda herself, and the song was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Uchimura Produce.” It reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is a song that conveys the heartbreak and sadness of losing the warmth once shared.