Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026]
When you’ve had your heart broken, you often feel like listening to sad breakup songs rather than upbeat ones, don’t you? For those in that situation, here’s a ranking of popular breakup songs by male singers that we recommend.
These are masterpieces that will help heal your heart and guide you toward your next love.
- Breakup songs sung by male Japanese (J-pop) artists
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Top 2026 Ranking of Breakup Songs by Male J-Pop Artists (Positions 21–30)
Crimson-colored sunsetFujifaburikku22rank/position
A heart-wrenching ballad lovingly passed down since their indie days.
It resonates deeply with a lyrical melody, capturing the tangled feelings toward one’s hometown and the earnest resolve to face forward even while carrying the weight of everyday struggles.
After being included on the 2004 album “A la Mode,” the song was released as their sixth single in September 2005 and was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Kanagawa’s “saku saku.” It appears on classic albums such as “FAB FOX” as well.
Following the sudden passing of Masahiko Shimura, Tamio Okuda covered the song in a solo acoustic performance, famously singing it through tears.
When you want to reflect alone at dusk on past loves or your youth, this song is sure to offer gentle companionship.
Once Again… feat. BENIDōji-T23rank/position
A track by Dōji-T featuring BENI.
The lyrics portray two people who somehow drifted apart, and it really squeezes your heart.
Heartbreak always comes with that lingering regret of “How did it end up like this?” It’s a gentle ballad that stays by your side when you can’t move on from a past love.
Stardust StageChekkāzu24rank/position
The Checkers’ classic song about the bittersweet feelings of youthful love is etched in many people’s hearts along with fluttering memories.
Its beautiful lyrics paint a world where the sour-sweet parting of a romance is overlaid with the sparkle of stars in the night sky.
Released in August 1984, the track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte…” and became beloved across generations.
The following year, it was also chosen as the entry march for the 57th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, earning even more attention.
With Fumiya Fujii’s clear, transparent vocals and the refined harmonies performed by all the members, the piece achieves a perfect balance.
As you look back on memories with someone special, why not sing it from the heart?
Cactus Flowerchūrippu25rank/position
A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.
Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.
Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.
Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.
It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.
Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji26rank/position
A love song that strikingly portrays a man trying to keep his pride even as he’s tormented by the premonition of a breakup.
The scene of a lover packing up and leaving in the middle of the night is exquisitely rendered through Yu Aku’s delicate words and Katsuo Ono’s wistful melody.
The conflicting emotions—lingering attachment to the other and a man’s stubborn pride—intertwine, and Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals shake the soul.
Released in May 1977, the song claimed the No.
1 spot on the Oricon weekly chart for a total of five weeks.
It went on to achieve the remarkable feat of sweeping numerous music awards that year, including the Japan Record Award.
A gem of a masterpiece that resonates deeply with those who have experienced parting with someone precious or who stand at a crossroads in life.
SuddenlyEXILE ATSUSHI27rank/position
In 2020, EXILE ATSUSHI announced he would focus on solo activities.
That doesn’t mean he quit EXILE, though, so I hope we’ll see him sing in front of EXILE’s performers again someday.
This song portrays a man’s shock and regret after being abruptly told it’s over.
Yet the lyrics feel completely free of the clichés and inertia of old-school pop.
I think that’s a testament to ATSUSHI’s passion for songwriting.
Not every breakup leaves you feeling upbeat and positive.
This is a recommended track for those who want to properly mourn a heartbreak.
MurasakiJin Akanishi28rank/position
A song by Jin Akanishi, formerly of KAT-TUN and now active as a solo artist.
In fact, this song had been performed at concerts even before KAT-TUN’s debut, making it a special track for longtime fans of Akanishi.
It was included as the B-side to his debut solo single, “Eternal,” released after he left KAT-TUN to begin his solo career.
Akanishi’s delicacy comes through in the lyrics and melody, making it a very beautiful song.