Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]

Even if you went and became somebody’s damn girlfriendtensai bando21rank/position

Genius Band / Even If You End Up Becoming Someone Else’s Girlfriend

A heartbreak song whose delicate, piano-centered sound and wistful vocals sink deep into the heart.

It carefully portrays the feelings of a protagonist who continues to hold on to unchanging affection, even as the person they love finds happiness with someone else.

The lingering emotions—tough on the surface yet unable to let go—are expressed throughout, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

The track is included on Tensai Band’s first album, “Ein to Stein,” released in April 2014.

In May 2021, it was also issued as a 7-inch single, winning support from music fans alongside its coupling track, “Sunset Street.” It’s a song that stays by your side when you can’t recover from the pain of a breakup or when you want to overcome parting with someone precious.

Maplesupittsu22rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

A ballad that sings of the resolve to live on with the pain of parting.

Those warm days when even casual exchanges with a loved one—and the ache in your heart—were all wrapped in their smile.

Yet even as the protagonist accepts a daily life that will never return, the way they move forward as if embracing a voice is deeply moving.

After being included on the album “Fake Fur,” it was released in July 1998 as a double A-side single with “Spica.” It has been used in numerous dramas, including as an insert song for Fuji TV’s “Over Time” and in NTV’s “Zambi.” It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone who can’t stop dwelling on a lost love or who can’t forget someone dear.

Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals deliver a ray of hope within the sorrow.

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION23rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

A gentle-toned guitar, a powerful bass, drums that feel like footsteps, and vocals that murmur with a sense of helplessness.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Soranin” is a track whose full-band, powerful sound gives you the courage to move on from heartbreak.

The lyrics are also great, and as you listen, it can feel like the song is voicing your own pain.

I hope this song helps you take a step toward your next love.

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tear(s)KANA-BOON24rank/position

KANA-BOON “Namida” Music Video

This song, which sings of the aching pain of heartbreak, can be considered one of KANA-BOON’s signature works.

Included on the album “NAMiDA,” the track was released in September 2017.

It delicately portrays the emotions of a man after a breakup, with lingering attachment and regret pressing on the chest.

Maguro Taniguchi’s vocals amplify the poignancy, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

It’s recommended for those carrying the pain of parting or those who want to reflect on past relationships.

Listening to this piece and overlaying it with your own experiences may help you sort out your feelings.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci25rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

This is a song that captures a woman’s complex feelings: while she speaks of her current partner’s kindness, she can’t help but recall the comfort of the days spent with her ex.

It’s a track released in August 2018 by the pop band wacci, known for crafting music that sits close to everyday life, and it’s also included on the album “Gunjou Refrain.” The lyrics, written by vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi based on a female friend’s story, contrast the perfection of a new partner with lingering feelings for an ex, tightening the listener’s chest.

In June 2021, it surpassed 100 million streams, cementing its status as a long‑loved classic.

After a springtime parting, when forcing yourself to look ahead leaves your heart tired, this song might gently stay by your side.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi26rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

Let me introduce a delicate ballad that traces the way hearts fall out of sync over time.

Comparing two people to metronomes keeping their own tempo, the lyrics portray how a rhythm that once matched gradually drifts apart—piercingly resonant, isn’t it? Even after the breakup, the lingering attachment and regret that lead one to wish for the other’s happiness yet still hope for a reunion are sure to bring listeners to tears.

This song is included on the album “Bremen,” released in October 2015.

It’s also known for the fact that Kenshi Yonezu not only wrote and composed it, but also created the music video, drawing about 200 original illustrations.

A song about the emotional distance that love alone cannot prevent, it’s one to hear on nights when the pain of heartbreak won’t fade, or for anyone who just can’t forget someone.

Rejected-Love GirlSayuri27rank/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.

OrangeSMAP28rank/position

SMAP – Orange

It’s a ballad that moves the heart not only with the sorrow of parting but also with lyrics brimming with deep gratitude toward the other person.

Instead of saying “goodbye” to a departing lover, it concludes with the word “thank you,” a turn that can’t help but bring listeners to tears.

Although this song was included as the B-side to the single “Lion Heart,” released in August 2000, it triumphed at No.

2 in the fan vote for the best-of album “SMAP 25 YEARS,” ahead of many of their major hits.

There’s even an anecdote that the ending of the lyrics was changed during recording—truly a masterpiece worthy of being called “the most famous B-side in Japan.” Listen to it alone at dusk, and you’ll be wrapped in a tender, wistful feeling and find the courage to move on to your next love.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki29rank/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.

GraduationMy Hair is Bad30rank/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.