[Upbeat Breakup Song] Love songs and anthems that give you the courage to take a new step forward

Embraced by the wintry windKatase Nana

Nana Katase – kogarashi ni dakarete

A number covered by Nana Katase of a classic hit by Kyoko Koizumi.

Although Nana Katase is strongly associated with her image as an actress, she has actually released both original songs and cover tracks as a singer, too! The cover album “EXTENDED,” which includes this song, features many other famous covers as well.

Compared to Kyoko Koizumi’s original, the trance-like melody of this version gives a completely different impression, and just listening to it seems like it could brighten the sorrow of a hopeless, unrequited love.

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By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki "By the Time the Christmas Carol Plays"

Junichi Inagaki’s 27th single, “At the Time of Christmas Carols,” was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama Homework.

It proudly reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and remains an essential ballad for the Christmas season even today.

Goodbye HappinessUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Goodbye Happiness

A song by Hikaru Utada that portrays the resolve to say goodbye to days of past happiness and step forward as a new self.

Despite its upbeat dance sound, the lyrics bid farewell not only to loneliness but to happiness itself, conveying both the strength to accept the past and move toward the future, and the sadness that lies beneath.

Released in advance from the album “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.

2” in November 2010, just before her hiatus, it was also featured in a commercial.

Even after going through a divorce and becoming single again, you may want to face your memories and take a strong step forward.

This is a song that gently gives a push to those who feel that way.

TearsCrystal Kay

Crystal Kay – Tears

It’s a hidden gem from her album “Crystal Style.” When I got dumped by my then long-distance boyfriend, I listened to it over and over.

Even though it happened years ago, the intro still makes my heart skip a beat—it’s such a bittersweet track.

I might run into him again somewhere by chance; until then, I wanted to bounce back and make him regret it.

This song means a lot to me.

applausechiaki naomi

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

I was born in the Heisei era, but I still can’t forget the shock I felt the first time I heard it.

The trauma-level passion, and the vocal prowess that even Hibari Misora is said to have feared.

The fact that she herself vanished completely from the entertainment world after being widowed inevitably links, for me, to this song.

Love is blind.yangusukinii

Young Skinny – Love Is Blind [Official Music Video]

Brimming with pop appeal, this work is a coming-of-age song that portrays the process of recovering from heartbreak.

It carefully traces the emotional shifts of a protagonist who was blinded by love and then abandoned.

The way memories of the relationship start to feel smaller, and the protagonist opens up to connections with others and new perspectives, is particularly striking.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TBS drama “Uri o Yaburu: Issen o Koeta, Sono Saki ni.” The music video features the popular child actress Haro Asada, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song that gives courage to those trying to overcome the pain of a breakup and look forward.

The Last ExcuseTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga / The Last Excuse

Hideaki Tokunaga’s “Saigo no Iiwake” (The Last Excuse) is his sixth single in total and was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s series “Naoki Prize Author Suspense.” The lyrics were written by Keiko Aso, and the music was composed by Tokunaga himself, who is said to have been moved to tears for the first time while composing the song.