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.
- A tear-jerking breakup song that washes the pain away with tears
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Masterpieces of bittersweet heartbreak songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
dizzinessNEW!DREAMS COME TRUE
An exquisite ballad perfect for spring, portraying a profound sense of loss so deep it makes your body waver.
Created by DREAMS COME TRUE, who continue to lead the Japanese music scene, it’s included on their album THE LOVE ROCKS, released in February 2006.
The song was produced as the theme for the TV Asahi drama special “Ai to Shi o Mitsumete” (“Gazing at Love and Death”).
Miwa Yoshida’s deeply expressive vocals and Masato Nakamura’s minimalist, subtractive arrangement—both mirroring the story’s gravitas—leave a lasting impression.
How about listening to a track that gently accompanies those trying to overcome the pain of heartbreak?
Dried flowersNEW!Yuuri
A heartrending rock ballad that likens lingering feelings for an ex and emotions that don’t fade with time to flowers.
Released by singer-songwriter Yuuri in October 2020, it was later included on the album “Ichi.” Framed as a female-perspective after-story to the male-viewpoint song “Kakurenbo,” this track’s strong relatability is evident from its achievement of topping the Billboard JAPAN year-end overall chart in 2021.
From the conversational tone of the verses to the explosive power in the chorus, the shifting emotions are superbly expressed.
It will gently accompany those who are trying to move forward despite the pain of heartbreak, or on nights when you want to quietly bask in memories.
me me sheRADWIMPS
It’s a ballad that gently stays by your side in that hollowed-out feeling of loss, as if there’s a hole in your heart.
The song is included on RADWIMPS’ album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.
Although it wasn’t released as a single, it can be called a hidden masterpiece that has been loved by many listeners for years.
In a way that overlaps with how the title “Memeshii” is read, it portrays with raw honesty the lingering feelings for a former lover mingled with one’s own ego.
The warm tone of the guitar and the conversational vocals really hit home, and each listen may bring a tightening ache to your chest.
On nights when there’s someone you simply can’t forget, or when you want to cry your heart out and look forward, why not give it a listen?
somedaySaucy Dog
The starry sky we saw at the top of that hill, the carefree way we lay down on the ground—those vivid memories shared by just the two of us squeeze my chest with the ache of knowing that time will never return.
It’s a heartbreak song that powerfully conveys the struggle to accept a farewell while recalling the profile of someone precious.
This track is included on Saucy Dog’s first mini-album, “Country Road,” released in May 2017.
It’s the song that changed their fate, becoming the catalyst for winning the Grand Prix at an audition in December 2016.
While holding a past love as a beautiful yet painful memory, it gently gives you a push to keep moving forward.
I love you, I love you, I love youKōda Kumi
This is a gem of a ballad by Kumi Koda, delivering overflowing, passionate love straight through the lyrics.
The repeated lines expressing an irresistible longing for someone seep gently and deeply even into hearts wounded by heartbreak.
Released as a single in September 2010, it became widely known as the TV commercial song for Kracie’s Ichikami at the time.
It was issued as a double A-side along with the NHK drama “Second Virgin” theme song, and later included on the album “Dejavu.” On a Valentine’s night in tears over a love that won’t reach the one you yearn for, why not let your overflowing feelings resonate with this song? It’s a track that makes you believe that the memory of truly loving someone will one day make you stronger.
Mikan HeartC&K
There’s nothing more painful than knowing your feelings won’t reach the person you love.
This is a song by the male music duo C&K, made up of CLIEVY and KEEN, released in October 2013 as their 10th single.
It’s a ballad marked by a poignant piano and deeply emotive vocals.
Centered on the theme of an “unfinished heart,” the lyrics portray longing and hurt for someone special, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Many of us have probably had moments—on the way home from work or alone at night—when a sudden memory of someone brought us to tears.
CLIEVY’s high tone layered with KEEN’s warm voice amplifies the heartache.
The music video, featuring Haruma Miura and Naoko Watanabe, also drew attention for its dramatic depiction of the song’s worldview.
Included on the album “CK AND MORE…,” it remains a beloved classic.
It’s a must-listen for adult men who can’t cut off lingering feelings—when your head says you shouldn’t fall in love, but your heart can’t keep up.
Because I fell in loveaimyon
It’s a gem of a ballad by Aimyon that not only conveys the aching sense of loss after love ends, but also evokes gratitude for having met that special person.
Included on the album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense,” released in February 2019, this piece captivates with its stripped-down, unadorned arrangement.
Known for being recorded in a single take, the acoustic guitar tones and her raw vocals resonate as if speaking right beside the listener.
It leaves you with a warm feeling, one that makes you cherish how your view of the world has changed through knowing love.
Perfect for a quiet night when you want to shed a few tears and detox your heart.