Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]

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.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi30rank/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.

GraduationMy Hair is Bad31rank/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.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi32rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

This is the song used to accentuate the calm atmosphere in the Suntory Maker’s Mark commercial, which portrays the unchanging deliciousness of the whiskey through a character played by Shun Oguri who is immortal.

The track is also famous as the theme song for the feature-length anime 5 Centimeters per Second, and it conveys a bittersweet sentiment over the sound of an acoustic guitar.

The lyrics honestly express memories of the past and the regrets tied to them, as well as the pain of wishing for “just one more time,” even while knowing it can never come true.

The part about instinctively looking for someone’s figure somewhere—a feeling many can relate to—also heightens the sense of poignancy.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

wedgeOku Hanako33rank/position

Kusabi (Wedge) by Hanako Oku

A piano ballad by Hanako Oku that quietly embraces the inescapable pain of parting.

Cherished since her indie days and lovingly passed down in her performances, it’s a song that has been adored by fans for many years.

Two shadows lit by streetlights after the last train has gone, a final kiss shared even as they know they’ll never meet again.

Lyrics that portray such helpless scenes are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

The song gained popularity through word of mouth and was finally released as a single in July 2015, marking the 10th anniversary of her debut.

It was later included on the album “Prism.” On nights when you’re sinking into sorrow with no way out, why not surrender yourself to this piece and let the tears flow?

Christmas songback number34rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

Despite its Christmas-like cute timbre and beautiful string melody, this back number song portrays a bittersweet romance.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” starring Satomi Ishihara and Tomohisa Yamashita.

While struggling with feelings that are hard to convey, the narrator feels jealous of couples getting carried away by the Christmas mood.

It captures classic Christmas situations everyone can relate to.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Love StoryAmuro Namie35rank/position

[Love Story] (stage-MIX 2011–2018) | Namie Amuro | chd

This song, which portrays complex emotions, beautifully expresses both the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows.

Released in December 2011 as the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, it became a major hit.

The music video filmed in London is also striking.

Namie Amuro’s powerful yet delicate vocals perfectly enhance the lyrics that evoke the end of a romance and the start of something new.

Its approachable melody makes it easy to try at karaoke, so it’s recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are standing at a crossroads in life.

The heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to soothe your soul.