Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki36rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A masterpiece that delicately portrays a man’s emotions after heartbreak, offering listeners hope and empathy.

While he pretends to be strong, saying, “It’s not like I can’t do anything without you,” the way he feels his lover’s absence in everyday life is striking.

Released in May 1992 and used as a TV drama theme song, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Its million-selling success shows how deeply it resonated with many people.

This is a song that gently supports those trying to overcome the pain of a breakup and move forward again.

A must-listen for anyone who has gone through a painful parting.

Dried flowersYuuri37rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

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.

balladKetsumeishi38rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

GraduationMy Hair is Bad39rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Graduation (Official Video)

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.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa40rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.

The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.

The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.

Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.

For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.

Rejected-Love GirlSayuri41rank/position

Sanketsu Shoujo Sayuri “Furaregai Girl” MV (Full ver) — Song provided and produced by RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda

A heartrending song that pierces the heart with the pain of heartbreak.

Sayuri’s clear, transparent voice delicately conveys the complex emotions of a woman who’s been rejected.

Produced by RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda, the track was released in May 2017 as her 4th single.

It came out from Ariola Japan in three editions: two limited first-press versions and a regular edition.

A collaboration track with the iOS and Android game “Shoumetsu Toshi” is also included as a coupling song.

It’s a piece that serves as an emotional support, standing by those who, while carrying the pain of heartbreak, are trying to move forward.

To You Who Don’t Know LoveNEWS42rank/position

NEWS – To You Who Don’t Know Love [Official Music Video]

A heartbreak song by NEWS.

Many listeners may feel their hearts tighten as they picture the protagonist longing to return to that summer, thinking of a precious person they’ll never be able to meet again.

The pain learned only through falling in love, and the regret of wishing they had stayed just friends—these might be feelings you recognize, too.

Released in July 2016, the song served as the theme for the drama “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” starring member Shigeaki Kato, and added color to the story.

It’s a tear-jerking masterpiece packed with an irrepressible, swelling tenderness.