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 poignant breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks (51–60).
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
It’s a song by Koresawa that portrays the painful regret and helplessness of realizing the importance of something only after losing it.
The belongings left behind in the apartment where they once lived together have now become cherished mementos.
The protagonist’s realization that their own immaturity led to the breakup is depicted with striking realism.
Released in March 2017, this was her final indie work.
For anyone who has endured the anguish of losing someone precious because of their own mistakes, this song will gently stay by your side.
Bye-bye, babyTHE BLUE HEARTS
A song with a curious charm that wraps the ache of heartbreak in a bright, poppy sound.
The lyrics by Masatoshi Mashima portray a heart shrunken by lost love through distinctive metaphors—something many listeners may have related to.
This track is included on the album “PAN,” released in July 1995 as the band’s final original record.
It was also used as the ending theme for an NHK-FM program at the time, so some may remember it.
Parting is sad, but the song’s light, buoyant melody can gently lift a heavy heart.
When you’ve lost something and find yourself standing still, it’s a warm anthem that softly gives you a push forward.
tear(s)FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Released in 2010 as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ 12th single, this song was used for the U-Can 2010 campaign and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a gentle ballad that softly embraces those struggling with heartbreak, assuring them that even after a breakup, they are not alone.
Ice RainKudō Shizuka
It was released in 1994 as Shizuka Kudo’s 23rd single.
Even amid the year-end streets filled with happiness, it seems to tell us that there are small dramas of sorrowful farewells, and its deeply poignant lyrics and vocals sink into the heart.
As one of Shizuka Kudo’s signature ballads, it’s also a popular choice for women at karaoke.
Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks (61–70).
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
It was released in 2001 as Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single.
Among his solo singles, it holds the highest sales and was used as the theme song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign, in which Kuwata himself appeared.
The song portrays a bittersweet, past love and is also highly popular as a Christmas song.
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato
It was released in 1993 as Chisato Moritaka’s 17th single.
The song was used as the theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi Yume Kibun,” and its lyrics recall someone the singer parted with while watching the sunset at the Watarase Bridge.
It has been covered by many artists and is considered one of Chisato Moritaka’s signature songs.
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki
It was released in 1992 as Noriyuki Makihara’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Kodomo ga Neta Ato de” (“After the Children Fall Asleep”), and the lyrics, composition, and arrangement were all done by Makihara.
After hearing that a staff member had gone through a breakup, Makihara created the song to help heal heartbreak, and it became a major hit, achieving million-seller status.