Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]

ShipwreckNakamori Akina43rank/position

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

This song was written and composed by Tokiko Kato and provided to Akina Nakamori.

Released in 1987 as her 19th single, the cover came to fruition because Kato herself ardently wished for Nakamori to sing it.

It likens a heart that has lost love and has nowhere to go to a ship stranded by a storm.

For those who have gone through the profound parting of divorce and feel their hearts on the verge of breaking from an unbearable loneliness, the depth of this sorrow will resonate painfully.

It stays close on nights when you don’t want to put on a brave face and instead want to confront your feelings head-on.

Perhaps shedding tears while listening to this song will make your heart feel just a little lighter.

CHOCOLATEchanmina44rank/position

CHANMINA – CHOCOLATE (Official Music Video) [YouTube Ver.]

The track “CHOCOLATE” is packed with heartrending breakup songs.

Chanmina’s candid, true-to-life emotions are laid bare in the lyrics, seamlessly fused with contemporary sounds.

Released in November 2017, this work features many songs based on real experiences and is sure to resonate deeply with Gen Z listeners.

Born during Chanmina’s growth as an artist, this is a soul-infused collection.

Expressing the pain and regret of heartbreak, as well as the strength to move forward, these songs will surely be a source of support for anyone struggling with love.

Dried flowersYuuri45rank/position

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

The heartbreak songs spun by Yuuri resonate deeply with listeners.

In this work, lingering feelings for an ex and complex emotions are portrayed with delicacy, while weaving in a distinctly modern conflict—learning about a former lover’s new life through social media.

Yuuri’s clear, gentle voice beautifully conveys the emotions embedded in each line of the lyrics.

Released in October 2020 as a digital-only single, the song spread rapidly via social media and struck a chord with many people.

It’s highly recommended not only for those carrying the pain of heartbreak, but also for anyone who tends to be bound by memories of the past.

After a broken heartCHIHIRO46rank/position

CHIHIRO – After a Broken Heart (Official MV)

A deeply moving song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the weight of regret.

CHIHIRO’s tender yet heartrending vocals vividly capture the lingering afterglow of an unforgettable love.

Featured on the album “My Love Is Made of Tears,” released in February 2019, this track is known as one of the most striking pieces among songs that portray the complex emotions of romance.

If your heartbreak hasn’t healed, this song will surely stay by your side.

Listening through tears may gradually lighten your heart.

It’s a song that serves as emotional support—one we hope everyone carrying the sorrow of losing someone dear will hear.

Never Grow Upchanmina47rank/position

Chanmina – Never Grow Up (Official Music Video)

This song features a relaxed beat and a light, breezy sound that feels great to listen to.

The lyrics, which portray complex feelings toward a former lover, are likely to resonate with many people.

It’s also included on the album “Never Grow Up,” released in August 2019, and it fully showcases Chanmina’s delicate emotional expression and globally influenced musical style.

It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or are trying to move forward after parting with someone important.

A sentimental atmosphere lingers throughout this heart-wrenching number.

SSWKoresawa48rank/position

Koresawa “SSW” [MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a heartwarming song by Koresawa that transforms the lingering feelings and memories of heartbreak into a positive outlook.

While reflecting on past love, it conveys the strength to move forward by drawing on the experiences gained from it.

Included on the album “Korekara,” released in August 2017, the song was also used as the opening theme for tvk’s music program “Mutoma 2.” It’s a track that gently heals the heart, offering words of encouragement and standing by those who have gone through painful breakups and are finding it hard to move on.

catDISH//49rank/position

cat

This song, written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, is the B-side to the single “We Did It” released in August 2017.

When Takumi Kitamura performed an acoustic version on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE in March 2020, it sparked renewed buzz, and its total streaming plays surpassed one billion.

The piece portrays lingering attachment and heartache for someone dearly missed, expressing a yearning for a person who has become as free and capricious as a cat.

When you’re worn out from work or relationships, or when memories of a past love resurface, this song is sure to bring you to tears.