Japanese breakup song ranking [2026]

I miss you.UVERworld71rank/position

UVERworld 'Yearning for You'

This is a ballad that captures the aching feeling of being unable to let go of a former lover, finding yourself searching for their shadow in unguarded moments.

UVERworld’s work Koishikute is their 11th single, released in September 2008.

In a complete shift from the intense rock sound of their previous releases, its grand arrangement featuring piano and strings tightens around the heart.

Despite having no specific tie-in, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, proving the song’s strength.

You may be fulfilled by work and time with friends, yet still carry an unhealed hole in your heart.

If you’ve ever felt that kind of loneliness, TAKUYA∞’s pleading vocals will pierce deeply.

On a night when your emotions feel impossible to sort out, why not sink into it quietly on your own?

A Naked Heartaimyon72rank/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.

GarnetOku Hanako73rank/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 peopleaiko74rank/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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Good -joshi-Sakaguchi Ami75rank/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 youEXILE76rank/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 slopesSHISHAMO77rank/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 Nakanishi78rank/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.

Regretsumika79rank/position

sumika / Regret [Music Video]

A bittersweet love song by sumika that empathizes with the pain of heartbreak.

Within its refreshing guitar rock sound, lingering feelings and regrets toward a former lover seep through.

The delicate lyrics portray a deep affection—wishing to hear a lover’s voice and finding even the smallest gestures endearing—resonating powerfully with listeners.

First released in June 2014 as a live-venue-exclusive work on Dress farm #1, the track was later included on the mini-album I co Y in November of the same year.

It’s a heartwarming song that stays close to those suffering from heartbreak or anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī80rank/position

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

If you’re looking to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood on a chilly autumn night, I recommend a wistful mid-tempo number from Chatmonchy.

Released in November 2008, this song poignantly conveys the loneliness of city nights and the tender ache of stretching yourself to do something unfamiliar.

The gradient of a heart that has lost something precious and is slowly dyed a different color seems to resonate in your chest, carried by Eriko Hashimoto’s aching vocals.

This was the band’s ninth single and marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Tonsura” and included on the classic album “Kokuhaku” (Confession).

Sing it earnestly at karaoke, and memories of your youth might just come flooding back.