Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]

GarnetOku Hanako71rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

two peopleaiko72rank/position

aiko - “Futari” music video

The song used in the Hoyu hair color commercial featuring Aya Omasa was “Futari” by aiko.

Although the track was released in 2008, it wasn’t chosen for the commercial until six years later, in 2014.

The lyrics portray the bittersweet realization that the person you have feelings for is actually thinking of someone else.

Many people have likely experienced a situation similar to what the song describes.

In the lyrics, the narrator says she realized the other person had feelings for someone else before she fell completely for them, yet the tone elsewhere suggests she’s already deeply smitten and unable to stop her feelings.

It’s a poignant song that tells the story of a love with nowhere to go.

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A Naked Heartaimyon73rank/position

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

When you’re going through days where love just doesn’t work out, it can feel like you’re the only one being left behind.

The 10th single, released in June 2020, is a warm ballad that gently embraces those bittersweet feelings.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Mr.

Nagisa,” it resonated with many hearts.

Its simple arrangement, centered on piano and pianica, softly wraps unadorned, true-to-life emotions.

It tenderly portrays the feeling of wanting to fall in love again even after repeated heartbreaks, making it a song you’ll want to hear especially if you’ve grown timid about love.

Aimyon’s warm vocals will quietly give you a nudge toward tomorrow.

Good -joshi-Sakaguchi Ami74rank/position

Ami Sakaguchi “Ko-joshi” Music Video

An encouraging song that gently wraps you in a soft, warm voice, depicting love from the perspective of a down-to-earth woman.

Released in July 2017 as her major-label debut single, it was chosen as the ending theme by FM stations across Japan.

As Yumebo Sakaguchi herself says, it “reflects my own experiences,” and the lyrics vividly capture the emotions after a breakup.

It’s a track that gives you the spark to say, “Even after we part, I’m going to keep looking forward and living my life!” Highly recommended for women struggling with love or anyone who wants to cherish their true self.

Just… I want to see youEXILE75rank/position

EXILE / I Just... Want to See You - Short version -

A song by EXILE that poignantly expresses feelings for a lost love.

Released as a single in December 2005, it became a popular number and was also featured in a KDDI commercial.

It generated major buzz, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

With powerful vocals, it conveys regret over a past breakup and a heartfelt wish to meet again.

The clumsiness of the past and the remorse for having hurt a loved one resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

A classic ballad sure to move audiences at karaoke as well.

You and the slopesSHISHAMO76rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Slopes”

A song set on a winter ski slope that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love.

With its brisk 8-beat rhythm and poppy melody, it delivers SHISHAMO’s signature sound—cute yet powerful.

Released in December 2015, this track is a winter pop song brimming with seasonal atmosphere.

The lyrics capture both the joy of spending a long-awaited special day and the frustration of feelings that can’t be put into words—something many women are likely to relate to.

It’s a perfect blend of the poignancy of romance and the invigorating feel of winter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for karaoke.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi77rank/position

The Last Rain

A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.

The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.

Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.

16 on the Oricon chart.

It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.

A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.

On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.